46+ What Is Ra Arthritis Background. Picture of hands affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (ra) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
Ra is more than just joint pain.
Ra is more than just joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (ra) is a type of autoimmune arthritis where your body's immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints and internal organs, causing pain and swelling. The term arthritis feels familiar because: Ra symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of physical function in areas, such as your hands, wrists, shoulders, knees, and feet.