What can be done to prevent the disease?

RA can't be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

RA may be progressive and can affect many joints. This can make walking very difficult and can interfere greatly with the function of the hands. Disability can be severe and may cause depression.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformities such as misshapen fingers, bunions, hammertoe, and knock-knees. The affected joints are swollen and warm.

Other body parts can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatoid process can involve the eye, known as episcleritis, and the lungs, known as interstitial disease. There may be an inflammation of blood vessels or the lining around the heart, known as vasculitis or pericarditis. Osteoporosis, which is the loss of bone density, is also more common in people who have RA than in the larger population.

What are the risks to others?

RA poses no risk to others.