Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis.
 
One out of every one hundred people will develop rheumatoid arthritis. It can start at any time but most who develop it get it between the ages of thirty and fifty. Half the people who get it, get it as a result of the fact that it runs in the family.

People with rheumatoid arthritis usually have pain and stiffness in multiple joints. One of the classic symptoms is morning stiffness that lasts for an hour.

The good news is that there have been major developments over the years and people can have the pain controlled while slowing down the progression.