What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Mean? Signs, Reasons, Identification, Management & Avoidance.
What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Mean? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and eventual joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on the joints, RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium—the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints. This immune response leads to inflammation that can destroy the cartilage and bones within the joint over time.RA often affects multiple joints, typically in a...