What is rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. A chronic, progressive autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium), causing painful inflammation, stiffness, and potential permanent joint damage or deformity.
• B. A purely mechanical wear-and-tear joint disease.
• C. A skin disease with joint involvement.
• D. A temporary infection of the joint.

Answer: (A)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily targets the joint lining (the synovium). In this condition the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing persistent inflammation (synovitis) with pain, swelling, and stiffness that is often symmetrical and can involve the small joints of the hands and feet. If the inflammation continues, it can erode cartilage and bone, leading to permanent joint damage and deformity. This autoimmune, inflammatory nature distinguishes it from purely mechanical wear-and-tear conditions like osteoarthritis, from a temporary infection of the joint (septic arthritis), which presents as an acute, infectious process, and from skin diseases with joint involvement, which are not primarily driven by autoimmune joint inflammation.