Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes chronic inflammation that primarily affects the joints. The most common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. This condition frequently affects the hands and feet, although the shoulders, hips, spine, and knees may become involved in the later stages of the disease. Joints are typically affected in a symmetrical pattern; for example, if joints in the hand are affected, both hands tend to be involved. People with rheumatoid arthritis may have trouble with tasks such as opening jars, turning doorknobs, or fastening buttons. Joint pain and stiffness tend to be worse after waking up in the morning or after a long rest. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in other tissues and organs, including the eyes, skin, heart, and blood vessels. Affected individuals may also have inflammation in the lungs, which is known as interstitial lung disease. Additional signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include a loss of energy, a low fever, weight loss, and a shortage of red blood cells (anemia). Some affected individuals develop rheumatoid nodules, which are firm lumps of noncancerous tissue that can grow under the skin and elsewhere in the body. Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis are 55 years old and older, although it can affect adults of any age. The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually appear in mid to late adulthood. Many affected people have recurrent episodes of symptoms (flares) followed by periods with no symptoms (remissions). In severe cases, affected individuals have continuous health problems related to the disease for many years. The abnormal inflammation can lead to severe joint damage, which limits movement and can cause significant disability.