In rheumatoid arthritis, the hands are most commonly affected, but it can affect most joints of the body. Inflammation begins in the synovial lining and can spread to the entire joint. Painful and knobby bone growths in the fingers are common, but usually not crippling to osteoarthritis. The disease is often mild, but can be quite severe. For sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, though, arthritis is highly variable and difficult to control and can severely deform joints.
Some people become bedridden.
Others continue to run marathons. Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting the whole body, with the potential to cause weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and weight loss. In about one in six, the disease becomes severe and can shorten life. Researchers hope to find ways to predict which patients should be treated more aggressively. Treatments for arthritis work to reduce pain and swelling, keep joints moving safely, and avoid further damage to joints.