Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis in which your body's immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints. This makes the joints swollen, stiff, and painful. Over time, it may destroy the joint tissues and make it hard for you to walk and use your hands.
Medicine may help control rheumatoid arthritis or keep it from getting worse.
Current as of:
October 10, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Rheumatology