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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints such as the tendons, ligaments, and muscles, as well as other organs in the body.Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Typically, however, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a very active area of worldwide research. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Some scientists believe that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited.It is suspected that certain infections or factors in the environment might trigger the immune system to attack the body's own tissues.
Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, scientists have reported that smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

The goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is
1.to reduce joint inflammation and pain,
2.to maximize joint function, and
3.to prevent joint destruction and deformity.
There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

Optimal treatment for the disease involves a combination of medications, rest, joint strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient (and family) education. Treatment is most successful when there is close cooperation between the doctor, patient, and family members. Treatment is customized according to many factors such as disease activity, types of joints involved, general health, age, and patient occupation.

Two classes of medications are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis:
1.fast-acting "first-line drugs" which includes NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), COX-2 Inhibitors, Pain Medication (analgesics), Corticosteroids.
Acetylsalicyla te (Aspirin), naproxen (Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Medipren, Motrin), and etodolac (Lodine) are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are medications that can reduce tissue inflammation, pain and swelling. NSAIDs are not cortisone. Aspirin, in doses higher than that used in treating headaches and fever, is an effective antiinflammatory medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Aspirin has been used for joint problems since the ancient Egyptian era.NSAIDs are usually taken with food. Additional medications are frequently

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