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Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can develop at any
age and is more common in women.
It can cause severe deformities of the joints with associated
fatigue of the entire body. People who suffer from rheumatoid
arthritis often develop severe forefoot problems such as bunions,
hammertoes and dislocations. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory
autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints. In
rheumatoid arthritis, the autoimmune response can lead to
permanent and painful changes in the joints.
In rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune defect causes healthy cells
to be attacked, releasing enzymes. These enzymes attack the
surrounding tissues and the synovium in the joint. The joint
becomes inflamed swollen and painful.
SYMPTOMS
Typically rheumatoid arthritis causes joint
pain and stiffness. It affects the small joints first, including the
joints of the hands and feet. More than one joint usually is
affected, and symptoms often appear bilaterally. Symptoms are
usually worse in the morning or after rest.
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