 rheumatoid arthritis  (ra) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints. it may result in deformed and painful joints, which can lead to loss of function. the disease may also have signs and symptoms in organs other than joints. the cause of ra is not completely understood . the process involves an inflammatory response of the capsule around the joints (synovium) secondary to swelling (turgescence) of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development of fibrous tissue (pannus) in the synovium. it also affects the underlying bone(focal erosions) and cartilage(thinning and destruction). ra can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, the membrane around the heart, the membranes of the lung (pleura), and whites of the eye, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue. it is a clinical diagnosis made primarily on the basis of symptoms and physical examination. x-rays, laboratory testing, and synovial fluid analysis might help support a diagnosis or exclude other diseases with similar symptoms. treatments include both medication and non-pharmacological measures - the goal being to control joint inflammation and prevent joint damage and disability. non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, splints and braces, occupational therapy and dietary changes but these do not stop the progression of joint destruction. painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, suppress symptoms, but do not stop the progression either. disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (dmards) may slow or halt the progress of the disease. biological dmards like anti-tnf agents are effective but usually avoided in persons with active disease or hypersensitivity to these agent. they have been shown to decrease the number of tender or swollen joints and the pain and disability due to the disease but there is little data about side effects.{{ci
Arthritis Autoimmune_diseases Connective_tissue_diseases Disorders_of_fascia