Rheumatoid arthritis is painful swelling, usually of the smaller joints, together with the destruction of tissue around them. It most often begins in early adult life, between the ages of 30 and 40, and, although an attack may subside, it usually flares up again. The cause of this affliction remains unknown. There is a risk with rheumatoid arthritis of crippling or other physical deformity. In children, the condition is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or Still's disease.
Treatment is aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and control of the inflammatory process.
Damage to the joints cannot, however, be repaired. Heat, in the form of shortwave diathermy or whirlpool baths, can give short-term relief. Physiotherapy may ease the pain and keep the joints mobile. Severe inflammation can be reduced by injecting corticosteroids directly into affected joints. Gold compounds, hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, corticosteroids, and immune suppressants are also widely used.