Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can affect any joint in the body, but most commonly affects the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, shoulders and hips. RA is a systemic disease that can also affect other organs such as the lungs, heart and eyes. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling and warmth in affected joints; fatigue; fever; loss of appetite; weight loss; anemia; dry eyes and mouth; nodules under the skin near affected joints; and difficulty moving affected joints. Treatment typically includes medications to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system.