Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease. It results in inflammation of joints and tissues. Normally, the cells and proteins present in our body give us protection from infections. But in rheumatoid arthritis the immune system is unable to recognize the part of the body as part of immunity. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system fights against synovial membrane which is responsible for secretion of fluid into the joint.  Synovial fluid actually provides nourishment and lubrication to joints.  Rheumatoid arthritis also leads to tissue targeting. But mainly, the primary target is synovial membrane. This leads to inflammation of membrane. This also affects the area surrounding including the joints.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common disease and nearly one percent of population is affected by it. But it is very common among females as compared to males. It can happen to anyone above the age of 40. In some cases it can occur even before that. Common symptoms of this disease include morning stiffness, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle ache, weight loss etc.

The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are still not very clear. Researchers are still going on in this field. Some researchers believe that this can be genetic. Whereas, some believe that rheumatoid arthritis may be because of fungal, viral or bacterial attack which would trigger the autoimmune response.