Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease caused by an IgM cell-mediated immune response against soft tissues, cartilage, and bone. Patients present within the insidious onset of morning joint stiffness, polyarthopathy, subcutaneous nodules with progressive hand and wrist deformity. Diagnosis is made with a combination of physical examination, characteristic radiographs, and labs to evaluate for the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. Treatment is primarily medical management with NSAIDs, D-Mards otherwise known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, biologics, anti-malarials, and steroids.