Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation, reddening and pain in the joints and surrounding tissue and stiffness of the affected joints. The disease can also affect other organs of the body.
The cause behind rheumatoid arthritis is not known but it is believed to be autoimmune disease. Generally the body evokes its immune response against foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. In auto immune disease the body produces immune response against its own healthy tissue. The disease can occur at any age and is more prevalent in women than in men.

The initial symptoms of the disease include: loss of appetite, fatigue, morning stiffness, weakness and wide spread muscle pain. The joints affected are generally symmetrical. Generally feet, ankles, knees, hips, wrists, shoulders, neck, elbows and fingers are affected. The additional symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are: low grade fever, anemia, eye burning, itching of eyes, discharge from the eyes, lung inflammation, nodules under the skin, swollen glands, reddened and inflamed skin, deformities in the hand and feet and limited range of motion. The duration and the severity of the disease are different in different individuals. Genetic factors, hormones and infections affect the disease.

The condition is diagnosed on the basis of complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, ultrasound of the joint, joint X ray, joint MRI, synovial fluid analysis and rheumatoid factor test. The anti CCP antibody test is done to differentiate it from other types of arthritis.
Generally rheumatoid arthritis requires treatment for life long. The treatment includes medications, physical therapy, exercise and education about the condition. Surgery is also an option. Diagnosis and aggressive treatment in early stages can delay destruction of joints.

Medications include aspirin, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, some anti malarial medications like hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. The anti malarial drugs are generally given in combination with methotrexate. Surgery is done to correct deformities, relieve pain and improve joint function. Surgeries of the knees and hip joint for rheumatoid arthritis are most successful surgeries.
Physical therapy helps to delay the loss the joint function. Heat and cold treatments and joint protection techniques and devices are useful.

Stress makes it difficult to cope up the condition. Relaxation techniques like breathing techniques like pranayama, yoga, meditation, guided imagery, muscle relaxation techniques and tai chi help in pain relief and reduce stress.