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Rheumatoid Arthritis affects more than 2 million people in the United States. Rheumatoid arthritis differs in origin from degenerative arthritis in being an auto-immune disease.
This means the body’s own defense cells attack the joint linings. As the disease progresses, it transforms both the internal and external features of the joints. So much of the joint is destroyed that the ligaments and tendons which support the joints are unable to do so. The classic sign of rheumatism is stiffness, swelling and pain in the affected joint. So much so that this can render the affected joint useless.
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