These symptoms are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic inflammation ultimately results in the destruction of cartilage, bone, tendons, and ligaments, leading to instability, irreversible deformity, and disability. There are three main categories for classifying disease progression. They are self-limited, slowly progressive, and rapidly progressive diseases. The progression of the disease helps determine the pharmacological treatment needed.
Functional capacity is another important parameter in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Table 1 is an example of a commonly used classification. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually gradual in onset, but occurs suddenly in approximately 20 percent of patients. The disease begins with warmth, redness, edema, and pain in the joints. Some patients with severe disease may see stiffness all day. Table 2 is a chart of common clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis.