Rheumatoid Arthritis
The factor that separates Rheumatoid Arthritis from Osteoarthritis, despite severity, is that Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Although, not primarily related to farming, it does affect a major demographic and is another debilitating factor for those who have occupations dealing with physical labor. Body cells are damaged by the immune system, (most frequently) in the synovial membrane, which is alongside the joints (compared to in between the bones as in osteoarthritis). When this happens, pain, swelling, and stiffness can occur in the joints and other common symptoms include decreased muscle strength near afflicted joints and even fever. If these conditions persist untreated, the inflamed synovium “can potentially destroy the cartilage, bone, and soft tissues.”