Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that causes your joints, for example your hands or knees, to swell up and become painful.
rheumatoid arthritis in British English
noun
a chronic disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by inflammation and swelling of joints (esp joints in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet), muscle weakness, and fatigue
rheumatoid arthritis in American English
a chronic disease whose cause is unknown, characterized by inflammation, pain, and swelling of the joints accompanied by spasms in adjacent muscles and often leading to deformity of the joints
Examples of 'rheumatoid arthritis' in a sentence
rheumatoid arthritis
One of patients is a young woman forced to endure the pain and misery of rheumatoid arthritis.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for decades but not in its natural form.
The Sun (2014)
If it can be transferred to humans, it could end the inflammation that causes rheumatoid arthritis.
The Sun (2012)
Exercise is crucial for her because when she was 6 she was diagnosed with juvenile chronic rheumatoid arthritis.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
I CAN'T work because of rheumatoid arthritis.
The Sun (2010)
Other serious illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or leukaemia.
Chaitow, Leon The Beat Fatigue Workbook - how to identify the causes (1988)
Fifty years ago my mother, who had rheumatoid arthritis, took out life insurance.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It may be that, in your case, they initially thought you had rheumatoid arthritis but have changed their minds.
The Sun (2012)
Being overweight or obese could protect men from rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study - but it does not help women.