Causes and symptoms
The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is not known. However, genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the disease.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include inflammation of the joints, swelling, difficulty in movement, and pain. The most commonly affected joints are the hands and feet. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, loss of energy, and anemia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects joints symmetrically, so patients feel pain in their joints on both sides of their body at the same time.

MYTH: Arthritis affects only older people

FACT: Arthritis affects any age, including children. There's no question that the incidence of arthritis increases with age, but nearly three of every five sufferers are under age 65.

MYTH: Arthritis is just minor joint ache and pains

FACT: Arthritis can be permanently debilitating.

MYTH: Arthritis is like old age - it cannot be treated

FACT: Modern medicine has several new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis which millions of patients in the US, Europe and now India can have access to.