What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic arthritis condition that is commonly identified by the symmetry of its symptomology as it affects joints on both sides of the body. This distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from different types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can also effect the nerves, blood, lungs, heart, eyes and skin.

Rheumatoid arthritis manifests typically by joint pain and swelling, fatigue or general malaise, and stiffness of the limbs upon waking up or after sitting for long periods of time. In this manner, rheumatoid arthritis can affect each patient in a number of different ways but this is usually after a substantial amount of time that occurs over many years – yet for some, this may happen quickly in a relatively short amount of time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is relatively rare, affecting little more than 1-percent of the population in the United States and is three times more common in women than men. However, the symptoms often appear to be more severe in men than they manifest in women.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually sets in while adults enter their 40’s, but can develop while in childhood.