But since artificial joints only last about 20 years, physicians usually try to hold off as long as possible so the replacement doesn't have to be repeated. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types of arthritis. It's a chronic disease that causes the lining of the joint to become inflamed. The inflamed cells release an enzyme that eats away bone and cartilage, which causes pain, stiffness, swelling, tiredness and loss of movement. I think we're going to make some very dramatic findings in the next 10 to 20 years, and I fully expect a cure.
Surgeons can replace painful arthritic joints with artificial ones.
The body's immune system turns on itself by making a substance that damages its own tissues. Because its symptoms are so varied, lupus can be difficult to diagnose, and the disease is often misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. Most simply dismiss their symptoms. Lupus patients can experience periods of remission, where they have few, if any, symptoms. With this, you can have a good quality of life and normal life expectancy.