Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses through four stages, each marked by increasing severity and specific characteristics. In the first stage, swelling of the synovial lining causes joint pain and stiffness without causing visible damage to the joint. The second stage is characterized by a rapid division and growth of cells, or "pannus," which leads to thickening of the synovium and can result in cartilage damage, although the joint's bone might remain unaffected. By the third stage, the inflammation caused by the pannus starts to erode the cartilage and eventually, the bone, causing deformities and significantly reducing the joint's functionality. The fourth and final stage is marked by fibrosis, where the inflamed synovium is converted into scar tissue, leading to immobility of the joint and potential fusion of the joint bones, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life due to loss of mobility and increased pain. At each stage, symptoms and damage become more pronounced, necessitating early diagnosis and comprehensive management to slow progression and preserve joint function.