While arthritis is usually thought of as a disease of the aging, more than 40 million Americans, both young and old, suffer from some form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects up to 1 percent of the adult population and is a chronic inflammatory disease that attacks almost all joints in the body, mainly the hands and feet. Patients also suffer from lung problems while being under RA.

RA is a complex, heterogeneous disease with some people suffering inflammation of the hands and feet which comes and goes whilst others develop a progressive form which can quite rapidly result in marked disability. There is already belief in the possibility of a genetic marker that may determine who develops RA or how severe the disease becomes.

Being young does not guarantee being free of arthritis. Knowing symptoms and proper treatment is important to prevent these health problems. Gathering information and asking more about these health risks is one way to effectively fight and prevent rheumatoid arthritis from taking over. While it is still early, diagnosis and treatment is the most effective way to have a healthy and active life.