Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. There are certain areas that this condition affects more often, which include the wrists, fingers, toes, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. Joint inflammation normally causes pain, deformity, and movement issues, as the cartilage wears out and the bones rub against each other.
The following are common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins in middle years. The cases of rheumatoid arthritis are typically two-to-three times higher in women than men. If a member of a family has rheumatoid arthritis, then the chances of having the condition is high in the other members of the family. Cigarette smokers and overweight people are also more prone to rheumatoid arthritis.
The precise cause of immune system malfunction, which leads to rheumatoid arthritis, is not known yet.