Causes
- The immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of joints
- causing chronic inflammation and bone erosion
Symptoms
- Symmetrical pain and swelling in both hands
- wrists or knees
- prolonged morning stiffness over 45 minutes
- fatigue
- fever
Risk Factors
- Female sex
- family history of autoimmune disease
- cigarette smoking
- age between 30 and 60
