Rheumatoid arthritis is the state in which the condition of the affected joints becomes very critical. In Rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation becomes chronic. Moreover, the immune system of the patient also attacks the joints. Because of all, there is a chance that the joint is permanently damaged. During Rheumatoid arthritis the pain is unbearable and the patient. The affected joint loses all its mobility. Apart from the bones and the cartilages, it also has some effects on the organs as heart, lungs, blood vessels, skin and muscles.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anybody. The main joints, which are prone to Rheumatoid arthritis, are the smaller joints of as fingers, feet, palm, etc. However, it can occur to the larger joints in the knees, shoulders, elbows, etc. statistical studies show that there is greater number of occurrence of Rheumatoid arthritis in women. In majority of the cases the people over the age of 50 have been affected you Rheumatoid arthritis.

It is necessary to diagnose and treat Rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible as it may spread to the other tissues as well. Moreover, it can also lead to deformities in these affected joints.

The American collage of Rheumatology has provided the following criteria, which can be a sign of Rheumatoid arthritis. If any four or more of them occur at a same time then there is a chance that the patient may be suffering form Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Stiffness in a particular joint during the morning hours for at least more than 6 weeks
• Swelling in the soft tissues for a period of more than 6 weeks
• Arthritis of any joint for more than a period of 6 weeks
• Development of subcutaneous nodules around or in the joints
• Presence of Rheumatoid factor of more than 95 %
• Events as erosion of joints or bones present in them

If four or more of these symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are shown by a person then the further diagnosis should be done. This would include the things as blood tests and radiological images. The rheumatoid factor i.e. the antibody, which attacks the tissue itself, is detected in these tests.  The other more precise test is testing the anti-citrullinated protein antibodies.
Apart from both of these there are number of other tests as well as the radiological tests or tests for the synovial fluid, etc.

It is important tot diagnose Rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible. Only in the previous stages, it can be treated with the anti-inflammatory drugs and nutrition supplements .however in the advanced stages removing the affected joint itself is the only method available.