Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory variant of the arthritis. In the disease for reasons that no one really knows or comprehends, the body’s immune system which is designed to attack against foreign cells and objects that may be dangerous to one’s health actually attacks the host’s body, and more specifically the synovium in the joints of people. The synovium is a thin membrane that lines the joints of the body, covering them to ensure comfortable and fluid movement. When the synovium is now attacked, fluid from the synovium and other cells build up in the joints to cause an intense pain through an inflammation that can be systemic, or meaning that it may travel and occur throughout the entire body. The surrounding cartilage is destroyed and the tendons and ligaments that hold the joints together to give it its shape lose their strength respectively, and cause the joins to look misaligned. Doctors remain clueless as to what starts the process; however, they believe that genetic factors are extremely likely. While the actual genes themselves do not cause RA, it is theorized by many alike that they make you more susceptible to the environmental factors which may include specific bacteria and viruses that in tune may trigger the disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, which means it is incurable and it can only be managed effectively. Most people that have RA do not experience consistent pain or other symptoms of the disease. Instead, victims experience what are called flares: intermittent periods where the disease is especially active, which equals out to an increase in pain and irritability as well. In some people, however, the symptoms and effects of the disease are quite prevalent throughout the course of an entire day back to back, progressively intensifying and worsening over time. Even in others, the affected