Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation and soft-tissue swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the peripheral joints like hands, feet, wrists, and knees and the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis can also involve internal organs like the lungs and heart. An autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis means the body tissues are attacked by your own immune system. Ultimately, this leads to joint destruction, functional disability, and decreased quality of life.
