n.a
chronic disease characterized by stiffness and inflammation of the joints, frequently accompanied by
marked deformities,
loss of mobility and weakness, the
cause of which is unknown. Joints affected by the disease become
hot,
red, swollen and painful with the wrists and knuckles being the
chief joints affected. Rheumatoid
arthritis can
spread throughout the
body and damage organs and other tissue. If unchecked the diseased joints eventually stiffen in deformed positions. Most people suffering from rheumatoid
arthritis are between the ages of 20 and 40 but it can
affect children and the elderly. Rheumatoid means resembling
rheumatism, any disorder of the
extremities or back and
arthritis is an
acute or
chronic inflammation of a
joint of which there are several forms. Rheumatoid
arthritis is the most serious, painful and potentially crippling
form and is often called the "great crippler."
a
chronic disease whose
cause is unknown, characterized by inflammation,
pain and swelling of the joints and accompanied by spasms in adjacent muscles and often
leading to deformity of the joints.