Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints and surrounding tissues.
Review Date 3/16/2021
Updated by: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.