Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common of several autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the joints.

It is characterized by abnormal inflammatory responses that damage the synovial lining of the joints and other tissues. Components of the immune system mistakenly identify normal body tissues as potentially harmful organisms and attack them causing substantial collateral damage.

This results in joint pain, swelling and permanent damage to joint cartilage and the underlying bone. Other parts of the body such as the blood, nerves and heart may also be affected in severe cases.

Read the rest of this entry