The condition generally starts between the ages of 20 and 50, although it can begin at any age. It usually affects many joints, most commonly the small joints of the hands. The affected, joints become inflamed, painful and swollen, and later deformed. In addition, there may be general symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite. It can flare up suddenly, and just as quickly go into remission.
Emotional stress appears to play a role.
While stress is not a direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis, it can hasten progression of the disease and make it worse. Although it is not possible today to cure rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible for patients to cope successfully with their affliction with the help of their physicians and other specialists. The prime objective of treatment is prevention of joint destruction. Since rheumatoid arthritis is usually chronic and may last a lifetime, physicians try to avoid the use of toxic drugs as far as possible. The patient is usually started on large doses of aspirin, which is the most reliable and least toxic of all antiarthritic drugs.