Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks its tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling.

In untreated cases Rheumatoid Arthritis can lead to lung, brain, heart and kidney injury.

Symptoms for this condition include looking for swelling and redness, examining joint function and range of motion, touching the affected joints to check for warmth and tenderness and testing your reflexes and muscle strength. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.