Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. A healthy immune system protects the body by attacking foreign bacteria and viruses, but an autoimmune disease causes the body to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. Although rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the joints, it is a disease of the entire body. It can affect many organs and body systems besides the joints and therefore rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic disease.  

Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms include:

·      Joint pain

·      Swollen joints

·      Fever

·      Limping

·      Polyarthritis

·      Tender joints

·      Muscle aches

·      Loss range of motion

·      Loss of joint function

·      Stiff joints

·      Fatigue

·      Joint redness

·      Rheumatoid nodules

·      Anemia

·      Joint warmth

·      Joint deformity

Living with RA can bring about many emotional challenges such as stress, anxiety and or depression. Coping with a chronic illness is difficult. You are not alone; always seek professional guidance if you are having a tough time emotionally.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages. Rheumatoid arthritis is an invisible autoimmune disease although some people may show visible signs of joint damage or may use mobility assistive devices.

Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many treatment options are available.

There is approximately 1.5 million people in the United States have rheumatoid arthritis.