Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation that may affect many tissues and organs of the body, but primarily attacks synovial joints, which is the most common and movable type of joint in the body of a person. This autoimmune disease that usually causes chronic inflammation to the joints, also affects the tissue around the joints. Autoimmune diseases normally occur when the body's tissues are erroneously attacked by their own immune system.
Since rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, it can last for years, and patients suffering from this disease may experience it for longer times without showing any symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis in a typical manner is a progressive illness that may potentially cause joint destruction and permanent disability. The symptoms that are experienced are joint pain, swelling, stiffness and general discomfort.