Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that primarily attacks peripheral Joints and their surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments. The autoantibodies to this altered IgG are known as rheumatoid factors. Rheumatoid factors combine with IgG to form immune complexes that deposit in the joints. This creates an inflammatory response, which leads to proteolytic enzyme production, which can damage articular cartilage. Joint inflammation is the main source of pain.
Joint inflammation occurs in four stages.
Second, thickened layers of granulation tissue called pannus develops. Pannus covers and invades cartilage and eventually destroys the joint capsule and bone Third, fibrous invasion of the pannus and scar formation occludes the joint space. This causes bone deterioration and misalignment. Visible, deformity and disrupted joint articulation are noted. Although these two types of arthritis are different in origin, the resulting swelling and inflammation are responsible for the pain.