Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unlike osteoarthritis which is a 'wear and tear' phenomenon, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The disease process leads to severe, and at times rapid, deterioration of multiple joints, resulting in severe pain and loss of function.

Causes
Although the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, some experts believe that a virus or bacteria may trigger the disease in people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. Many doctors think rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the synovial tissue of the joint has been attacked by the immune system. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently in middle age and is more common among women.

Symptoms
The primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to osteoarthritis and include pain, swelling, and the loss of motion. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, energy loss, anemia, and rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin). People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis commonly experience periods of exacerbation or 'flare up' involving pain and stiffness in multiple joints.

Treatment
Treatment for pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis may involve medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and analgesics.