If you have swelling, pain, stiffness, or loss of function in the joints, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. A healthcare provider can diagnose this joint disease using certain laboratory tests and x-rays. This type of arthritis is different from others because it generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern, which means that if one hand is affected, the other will be as well. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in all races and ethnic groups, but it occurs much more frequently in women than in men. Although the disease often begins in middle age and occurs with increased frequency in older people, children and young adults can also develop it.
(For the complete eMedTV article, click Rheumatoid Arthritis. This article offers an in-depth look at what happens in people who have this disease, and discusses possible causes and treatment options. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
