Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

If left untreated RA can cause irreversible joint damage. It is one of many different types of arthritis, and fortunately one for which treatment is available. RA is considered an autoimmune disease; this occurs when the body’s infection-fighting system, called the immune system, inappropriately “attacks” and damages the joints. RA tends to begin slowly with minor symptoms that come and go, usually on both sides of the body, and progress over a period of weeks. It typically affects the joints in hands and feet, but may also affect other joints in your body. In addition to joint problems, RA can affect other body systems such as the heart, lungs, eyes or skin. Symptoms of this chronic disease vary from person to person and can change from day to day.