RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

or Arthritis deformans, is a chronic disease of the joints distinct from both rheumatism and gout, though formerly termed rheumatic gout. Under the name “rheumatic gout” the public include any chronic joint disease, the majority of the cases being rheumatoid arthritis, and the remainder aay chronic gout or rheumatism. In rheumatoid arthritis the gristlc, covering the ends of the bones, wears away and new bono is formed at the margins of the joints. The joints are thus fixed and distorted. The skin over them is not red or inflamed. No chalk stones develop, as they are peculiar to gout. There are throe chief forms of the disease:— (1) One large Phe like cot is alone attacked; (2) a Ste ana ep bgal e BR,; @) ieee = alone attacked. The disease is most frequent at the change of life, but it may begin in young women who are suckling. A rare form also attacks children. The cause is unknown. Tho disease is incurable. The treatment is the same as for chronic rheumatism. Fortunately the pain, which is often severe at first, usually ceases, and the effect on the general health is little or nothing. [Refer to Rheumatism.} [s. 401]