This leads to an immune reaction to the body's own cells. The continuous inflammation in the joints accounts for the damage of joints. Some researchers suspect that a virus may trigger the inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis although the disease occurs only in people with a genetic or inherited tendency toward the disease.

According to scientific evidence now available, rheumatoid arthritis is NOT CAUSED by :

1. cold, dampness or changes in weather.
2. lack of excesses of vitamins or any other dietary elements such as fats, sugars, acids or metals.
3. faulty absorption or elimination of substances from the bowel.
4. infection in the internal organs of the body.

Early in the disease, most people complain of fatique, stiffness and aching in the joints. Muscle stiffness commonly occurs in the morning. Usually some of the joints gradually become warm, painful and swollen. Swelling of the joint is partly due to increase fluid in the joint cavity and partly due to to thickening of the lining of the joint capsule. The joints most affected are those in the hands and feet. Often the same joints on both sides of the hands, both feet, both elbows and so forth.

If the pain is very severe, the muscles surrounding the affected joints contract and stiffen up. This is called muscle spasm. People with rheumatoid arthritis may lose their appetite and their weight. General tiredness and fatique are related to the amount of inflammation present. Sometimes, depression sets in and excessive worry about having arthritis impedes improvement.

Other possible body changes include anaemia (low red blood cell counts), lumps or nodules under the skin, inflammation of the eyes and pleurisy (pain in the chest on deep breathing).

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis may require several visits to the doctor over a period of time. You will be asked questions about your sysptoms. The doctor will perform a physical examination, looking at and inspecting each joint for signs of inflammation or other problems. The diagnosis will be based on the overall pattern of the symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests and x-rays.

The doctor may drain fluid from your joints and examine it to make sure the arthritis is not due to to an infection or some other cause. The fluid is recovered by putting a needle into the joint. Rarely, your doctor may remove small bits of imflamed joint tissue or nodules for examination with a microscope. This procedure is called a biopsy.

Corticosteroids are drugs related to the natural hoemone cortisone. They are not often used to treat rehumatoid arthritis unless the disease is severe and has not responded to other drugs. The decision to start or stop corticosteroids must be made by your physician.

1. Seek a doctor's advice early and follow the advice faithfully. An early diagnosis is the way to successful treatment.
2. Avoid unnessary strains on affected joints. Follow a program of exercise prescribed by your doctor.
3. Get adequate rest and sleep.
4. BEWARE of any individual or organisation that promotes special cures. Do not rely on unproven remedies in the hope that the disease will go away.
5. DO NOT doctor hop.
6. DO NOT be afraid of arthritis. Handled by a physician, the arthritis can be controlled.
7. TAKE medications as advised by your doctor. Never change dosage or medications without your doctor's knowledge.
8. LEARN as much as you can about your disease.
9. JOIN the National Arthritis Foundation, an organisation formed to disseminate information on arthritis, research on and fight against arthritis.