Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a less common form of arthritis, is an autoimmune deficiency syndrome, meaning the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, even in children, and it is considered a systemic disease that affects multiple organs.

In the joints, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium. Inflammation of the synovium can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth and redness, and can eventually lead to cartilage loss. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects many joints such as the hips, knees, and hands. This disease can have periods of flare-ups followed by a quick remission of symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that may last a lifetime. However, treatment is available to help reduce pain, swelling, and slow joint destruction.