What are the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease distinguished from other forms of arthritis by the pattern of joints involved. Inflammation from RA causes pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, redness, loss of function in joints. RA affects the wrist and many of the hand joints, but usually not the joints that are closest to the fingernails. Other joints that may be affected by RA include the elbows, shoulders, neck, jaw, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Other than the neck, the spine is usually not directly affected by RA. RA also may cause inflammation in the lining of internal organs of the body. RA is often associated with prolonged morning stiffness and fatigue later in the day. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to persist over prolonged periods of time, and the inflamed joints eventually can become damaged with the development of joint deformities or contractures. The way RA acts will vary from person to person. In some people the disease will be mild with periods of activity (worsening joint infla
