Rheumatoid Arthritis involves the synovium of the joints. The condition of rheumatoid arthritis will result in deformities. Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs in females more than males. There may be a hereditary component with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis has spontaneous remissions and exacerbations.
The disease can have a systemic nature. Pain and stiffness of joints especially in the morning (morning stiffness). Rheumatoid Arthritis is typically polyarticular, bilateral and symmetrical and most commonly affects the hands and feet. x-rays show periarticular erosions at the time of diagnosis. Osteopenia and minimal osteophyte formation favor the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis