| Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder where | | | | can last for many hours throughout the day. |
| the immune system attacks the tissues of the hand | | | | In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, the |
| and foot joints causing chronic inflammation. As it | | | | symptoms tend to be noticed in the smaller joints of |
| progresses, symptoms will also be noticed in the | | | | the hands, wrists, feet and ankles. With the progression |
| elbows, shoulders, hips, neck and jaw. Although this | | | | of the disease, other joints normally are affected such |
| disorder does not affect the joint itself like | | | | as the knees and elbows. Most individuals who have |
| osteoarthritis, it does affect the joint lining, which results | | | | this disorder often experience rheumatoid arthritis |
| in swelling and pain of the joint. This can eventually | | | | symptoms on both sides of the body at the same |
| cause joint deformity and erosion of the bone. The | | | | time, with the same joints being affected. The severity |
| condition normally affects middle aged individuals with | | | | of symptoms can vary and tend to come and go. |
| women being more likely to be affected by this | | | | There usually are periods of no symptoms that |
| disorder than men. | | | | alternate with periods of flare-ups where the disease |
| Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include joint pain | | | | increases in activity. |
| and swelling. Joints may also be tender when touched | | | | Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease can cause |
| and appear puffy and red. Another common symptom | | | | inflammation to organs and other parts of the body. |
| of individuals who suffer with this disorder is called | | | | The eyes and mouth can become dry and the lungs |
| rheumatoid nodules where hard bumps occur beneath | | | | can become inflamed, causing chest pains and |
| the skin on the individual's arms. Other rheumatoid | | | | breathing difficulties. The tissue around the heart can |
| arthritis symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, low | | | | also become inflamed, causing pain when bending over |
| grade fever, weight loss, disturbed sleeping, weakness | | | | or lying down. |
| and joint stiffness that is noticed on awakening and | | | | |