rheumatoid arthritis

kronisk ledgångsreumatism, ledgångsreumatism, reumatoid artrit

1. (medicine) A chronic and progressive disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. It is characterised by pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints, stiffness, weakness, loss of mobility and deformity. Tissues throughout the body can be affected, including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles.