International Journal of Medicine Research

Authors
Salah Hardan Ahmed, Luai Farhan Zghair, Waled Faris Abdulqader

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints. Pain and stiffness often worsen following rest. Most commonly, the wrist and hands are involved, with the same joints typically involved on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it's not yet known what triggers this. So, if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too. RA is a chronic disease marked by symptoms of inflammation and pain in the joints. These symptoms and signs occur during periods known as flares or exacerbations. Other times are known as periods of remission-this is when symptoms disappear completely. While RA symptoms can affect several organs in the body, the joint symptoms of RA include: joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness, loss of joint function and deformities. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. It’s important not to ignore your symptoms, even if they come and go. Diagnosing RA can take time and may require multiple lab tests to confirm clinical examination findings. First, they’ll ask about symptoms and medical history. They’ll also perform a physical exam of joints.