It's a disease like MS or Lupus. It's an immune system disease that attacks your own body mainly your joints (that's where the arthritis comes in) its not bone on bone from wear and tear on your joints, but your body trying to protect itself by sending antibodies to your joints, causing them to inflame, but that ends up destroying that instead of protecting it. Biologis block your body signals so it helps your joints not to be inflamed but consequences are a weakened immune system. That's why you have to protect yourself from getting sick and or seek doctors when you are sick. There's no cure and they don't know why we have it. But it is a progressive disease, it usually worsens as it go. Keep your heart healthy because information damages your heart. That's why dentist will tell you your heart thanks you when you keep inflammation down in your gums. I figured we all have something wrong with us. Learn what you can and go with the flow. Rest when you need to, but don't let it control you, because it will if you let it. We're all here to help, and lift each other up as we all need it. Hope I helped, and God Bless

I just wanted to reiterate that RA is not a bone/joint disease. Like others have said, it's an autoimmune disease. It may also affect organs. For many, eyes, heart and skin are also affected. Unfortunately due to medication side affects, other organs such as kidneys, liver, etc can also be affected. I've had RA for over 45 years and the best advice I could give you is... Don't guess, don't pay all that much attention to postings on the Internet and first and foremost... Get a Rheumatologist that you trust, tell them everything and listen to their suggestions.

It is an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system is attacking your body. It's usually in the joint but it can affect muscle, tissue, and vessels as well. It is permanent. It's not the same thing as osteoarthritis, that usually comes with age and use. RA is different for everyone and working with a rheumatologist to manage your joint damage is your best bet. Stay as active as possible, take care of yourself, and get plenty of rest. Keep a diary/journal of how you feel, this makes a great reference for dr visits. Keeping your stress level down is very important too. My dr told me that a lot of times people with thyroid issues tend to have autoimmune issues as well, which is my story. Good luck to you, I hope this helped

Well, it affects the major joints of your body. It can be extremely painful and debilitating if not treated. You are correct, there is no known cure at the moment, but there are treatments. First off find a really good rheumatologist who will fight to get you out of pain and under control. Generally, you start off on steroids which help with with the inflammation. Then additional meds can be added and/or deleted depending on how you respond to them. I was given steroids at first and then added Methotrexate.
When those weren't sufficient I was put on Remicade (a biologic) and eventually the steroids were deleted. I have been on that cocktail for about 10 years. My rheumy usually adds a small dose of steroids during the winter months to make sure I don't have any flares. The key is to get treated as soon as possible before permanent damage is done to the joints. Some of the side effects warnings on the biologics can be scary as he-- but for the majority of us, they are not a problem.
Generally, it is bilateral. It does not affect all joints. It is quite common to have osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. There is a lot of info on the web. Not sure it affects the spine although osteo does. I have osteo in my neck, back and knees.
Hope this helps.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes joints to swell and can
result in pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of function. In addition to joint pain and stiffness,
people with RA may also have symptoms such as weight loss, low-grade fever, and fatigue.
RA often affects pairs of joints (both hands, both feet, etc) and can affect more than one joint,
including the small joints in the wrists and hands. Over time, other joints can be affected such
as shoulders, elbows, knees, feet, and ankles.
Over time, the inflammation of RA can cause damage to the joints. In some patients, this may
lead to permanent joint damage. As this joint damage progresses, in severe cases, it can cause
deformity of the joints and loss of function. It may begin to interfere with daily activities, making
them more difficult and painful to do.