Rheumatoid Arthritis (cont.) IN THIS ARTICLE The course of
rheumatoid arthritis is hard to predict. It usually progresses
slowly, over months or years. In some people it doesn't get
worse, and symptoms stay about the same. But in rare cases,
symptoms come on rapidly, within days. Symptoms can come and go.
You may have times in your life when joint pain goes away on its
own for a while. This is called remission. If the disease
progresses, joint pain can restrict simple movements, such as
your ability to grip, and daily activities, such as climbing
stairs. It is a common cause of permanent disability. But early
treatment may control the disease and keep it from getting
worse. Rheumatoid arthritis is more likely to get worse when:
The ongoing inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis affects
the tissues that line joints. It causes a breakdown in cartilage
and loosens ligaments and tendons that support the joints. The
resulting joint destruction can lead to deformed joints. The
pain, stiffness, fatigue, and who