Final answer:
The distal interphalangeal joints are usually spared in Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA commonly affects synovial joints in the hands, feet, and cervical spine, but not the DIP joints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The joint usually spared in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP joints) of the fingers. While RA predominantly affects the synovial joints such as those in the hands, feet, and cervical spine, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain, the DIP joints are typically not involved.
This contrasts with Osteoarthritis (OA), where DIP joint involvement is common. RA is an autoimmune disease that leads to the breakdown of cartilage due to an immune response that incorrectly targets healthy tissue in the joints. Treatments for RA aim to relieve symptoms, manage pain, and reduce the risk of joint damage.