Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body immune system “ which normally protects its health by attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses“ mistakenly attacks the joints. This creates inflammation that causes the tissue that lines the inside of joints (the synovium) to thicken, resulting in swelling and pain in and around the joints. The synovium makes a fluid that lubricates joints and helps them move smoothly.