Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes swelling in joints, pain and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the lining of your joints (called as synovium) causing swelling that can result in pain, throbbing and eventually deformity. Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis symptoms make even the simplest activities - such as opening a jar or taking a walk - very difficult to manage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. But it can also affect young children and older adults.

Currently there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But with proper treatment, a strategy for joint protection and changes in lifestyle, one can live a long, productive and active life style.

Generally the signs and symptoms of RA first appear in smaller joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also usually causes problems in several joints at the same time. Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the joints in the wrists, hands, ankles and feet. As the disease progresses, other areas such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck can also become involved

Important signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

Joint pain: Pain and aches in one or multiple joints of the body, usually in the hands and legs.

Joint swelling: Pain is often accompanied by swelling and redness in the involved joints.

Joints that are tender to the touch: Involved joints become tender and a patient may avoid pressure or try to protect that part.

Red and puffy hands: may be due to inactivity and swelling in the hands.

Firm bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms (rheumatoid nodules):These nodules are harmless, but may interfere with self esteem in some patients.

Fatigue: There may be tiredness and inability to perform daily chores at home or at work.

Morning stiffness that lasts at least 30 minutes: This is the most common complaint in patients of RA. The patient may be inactive for half to one hour every morning due to stiffness in affected joints.

Fever: Low immunity causes fever in patients with RA.

Weight loss: Weight loss may occur over due course of time in patients with RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity - called flare - ups or flares - alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping, and weakness fade or disappear.

Persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body may suggest a possible flare up of symptoms in patients with RA.

You can take steps to care for your body if you have rheumatoid arthritis. These self-care measures, when used along with your rheumatoid arthritis medications, can help you cope with your signs and symptoms. Consider trying to:

1. Exercise regularly: Gentle exercise can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, and it can help fight fatigue you might feel. Check with your doctor before you start exercising. If you're just getting started, begin by taking a walk. Try swimming or gentle water aerobics. Avoid exercising tender, injured or severely inflamed joints. If you feel new joint pain, stop. New pain that lasts more than two hours after you exercise probably means you've overdone it. If pain persists for more than a few days, call your doctor.

2. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet emphasizing fruit, vegetables and whole grains can help you control your weight and maintain your overall health. However, there's no special diet that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Protect your joints: Find different ways to approach everyday tasks in order to take stress off your painful joints. For instance, if your fingers are sore, pick up an object using your forearms. Lean into a glass door to force it open, rather than pushing on the door with sore arms.

4. Use assistive devices: Assistive devices can make it easier to go about your day without stressing your painful joints. For instance, using specially designed gripping and grabbing tools may make it easier to work in the kitchen if you have pain in your fingers. Try a cane to help you get around. An occupational therapist can help with what sorts of assistive devices may be helpful to you.

5. Apply heat: Heat can help ease your pain and relax tense, painful muscles. One of the easiest and most effective ways to apply heat is to take a hot shower or bath for 15 minutes.

6. Apply cold: Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and decreases muscle spasms. Techniques may include using cold packs, soaking the affected joints in cold water and ice massage.

7. Relax: Find ways to cope with pain by reducing stress in your life. Techniques such as meditations, yoga, deep breathing and muscle relaxation can all be used to control pain.

The degree to which rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities depends in part on how well you cope with the disease. With time you'll find what strategies work best for you. In the meantime, try to:

1. Keep a positive attitude: This will help you feel in charge of your disease. Studies show that people who take control of their treatment and actively manage their arthritis experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor.

2. Know your limits: Rest when you're tired. Rheumatoid arthritis can make you prone to fatigue and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that doesn't interfere with night time sleep may help.

3. Connect with others: Keep your family aware of how you're feeling. They may be worried about you but might not feel comfortable asking about your pain. Find a family member or friend you can talk to when you're feeling especially overwhelmed. Also connect with other people who have rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Take time for yourself: It's easy to get busy and not take time for yourself. Find time for what you like, whether it's time to read or write, go for a walk or listen to music. Use this time to relieve stress and reflect on your feelings.