Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative disease that causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissue. When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, it gives off fluid and the joint becomes swollen. Joint pain is often felt on both sides of the body, and may affect the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, whose cause is unknown. Women are more affected by this disorder than men.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Morning stiffness (lasting more than 1 hour)
• Widespread muscle aches
• Weakness
• Anemia if bone marrow fails to produce enough new red blood cells
• Hand and feet deformities
• Limited range of motion
• Nodules under the skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Skin redness or inflammation