Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune arthritis that affects 1% of the adult
population; women three times more commonly than men. It can occur at any age, but
most often between the ages of 40 – 50.

Usually RA involves joints of hands and feet, but other joints can also be affected. The
diagnosis of RA is based on symptoms and signs of joint inflammation (joint swelling
and early morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes) with supporting blood tests
and X-rays.