Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly referred to as RA, affects about one percent of the world's population. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks normal, healthy tissues and cells, releasing enzymes that attack surrounding tissues. RA typically affects the lining of joints, but it can affect the membranes lining blood vessels, heart, and lungs may also become inflamed. Joints and other affected areas become inflamed, swell, and cause pain.
Early in the disease, people may notice general fatigue, stiffness, and soreness. Swelling and pain may occur in joints on both…