By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an
inflammatory condition that affects joints primarily leading to
pain and stiffness and difficulty in movements. Commonly
affected joints are those of the hands, feet and wrists. RA
however can also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis RA mainly causes swelling, stiffness and
pain in the affected joints. The sufferer usually feels mild
stiffness and difficulty in movement initially that mainly
occurs in the morning on waking up. This is called morning
stiffness. Slowly the symptoms may worsen as the joint is
affected to a greater extent leading to severe pain on movements
and difficulty in performing daily tasks. Symptoms may suddenly
worsen. This is called a flare up. Flare ups may be sudden and
without warning and may worsen symptoms to a great extent
leading to severe disability. Pathology of rheumatoid arthritis
RA is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system acts as
the defence system in the body attacking foreign m