It is an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, mainly attacking flexible, (synovial) joints. It can be disabling and painful condition. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and fusion of joints. It primarily affects joints. It may also affect other organs in 15-25% of individuals. Arthritis of joints involve inflammation of synovial membrane. Joints become swollen, tender and warm, stiffness, limits their movement with time and multiple joints maybe affected. Most commonly involved are small joints of hands, feet, and cervical spine.

It is a chronic disease where joints get inflamed leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of function. In this disease, the immune system itself attacks the joints of body. This destroys the joints protective cartilage. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, the cartilage breaks down and wash away. Then the bones rub together causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts in middle age and is most common in older people. But children and young adults can also get affected.