Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. Although healthcare providers are not exactly clear as to what causes this disease, they do know that with this type of arthritis, a person's immune system attacks his or her own body tissues. Also, genetics, environmental factors, and hormones may be possible causes. This type of autoimmune disease causes swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. Possible treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis can include lifestyle changes, surgery, and medications.
(For more information, click Rheumatoid Arthritis. This eMedTV article offers more detailed information on what rheumatoid arthritis is and how it is diagnosed. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
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