typical features of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It occurs when the immune system, which normally defends the body from invading organisms, turns its attack against the membrane lining the joints.eatures of Rheumatoid Arthritis. 1  Tender, warm, swollen joints. 2  Symmetrical pattern of affected joints. 3  Joint inflammation often affecting the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand. 4  Joint inflammation sometimes affecting other joints, including the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.