Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints and surrounding tissues.
Review Date 2/5/2023
Updated by: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.