Rheumatoid arthritis strikes about 1% of the world's population. It is a chronic inflammatory illness, indicated by the inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, which suggests that the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues within the body as if they were invading infectious matter. Rheumatoid arthritis inflammation chiefly attacks the linings of the joints, however, the soft tissue linings of the blood vessels, heart and lungs may become irritated.

The joints in the extremities are most often affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but any soft tissue inside a joint could be involved. Medicine can control the inflammation; if the inflammation isn't managed, malformation of the joints can result. It often leads to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, lost range of motion and permanent disability.

There are three phases of rheumatoid arthritis. The very first stage begins with the inflammation of the synovial lining, producing swelling, pain, redness, and stiffness around the affected joints. The next phase is the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the thickening of the synovium. In the final stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that bone and cartilage may absorb causing the affected joint to produce more tenderness, deformity and loss of movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from cycles of severe and light symptoms. The following are signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

- Joint inflammation in the small joints of the extremities - Joint inflammation, inflexibility, and pain especially in the morning - Calcified bony protrusions in joints - Cartilage and bone destruction

Rheumatoid arthritis can have a serious effect on an individual's quality of life, particularly if it's not detected and treated early. Getting the correct diagnosis early on is very important as it helps you begin the appropriate treatment right away thus giving you a better probability to avoid disability and deformity.

It is always highly recommended to talk to a medical doctor about the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. With the correct diagnosis, you can take control of the disease with the right medication. Doctors have many ways to deal with this disease, the goals of which is to eliminate pain, reduce swelling, slow down or stop joint damage, help people feel better, and help people stay active.

Presently, the precise cause of the disease is unknown, although there are many theories, like abnormal autoimmune response, genetic susceptibility, and various environmental reasons. Scientists are getting closer to deciphering the events that result in abnormal responses of the body's immune system. And while there is no cure, managing the disease through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management approaches have been done by patients to live happier, healthier and much more normal lives.