The human body depends on the immune system to attack foreign invaders, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses. But when the body develops an autoimmune disease, it causes the immune system to falsely perceive healthy organs, cells, and tissues as threats to the body. As a result, the immune system attacks them and causes significant harm to the body.

One severe type of autoimmune disease is called rheumatoid arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder where the immune system initiates a false inflammatory response that attacks healthy cells and tissues, especially in the joints. Synovium is the lining inside the joints that suffers direct false attacks from the immune system. Once that happens, the synovium can no longer lubricate the joints and keep them functioning correctly because the tissue becomes too inflamed.

As the rheumatoid arthritis worsens, the synovium becomes more inflamed and swollen to the point where walking and moving are increasingly painful. The condition limits a person’s normal daily activities due to the immense pain and discomfort experienced. That is why it is important to seek treatment for the inflammation before the cartilage tissue around the joint bones becomes damaged as well.

Cartilage is basically the lubricated cushion that reduces friction between the two bones of a joint. So, if there is too much cartilage damage, it will cause the tissue to diminish in size and reduce the cushion between the two bones of the joint. Without enough lubrication and smoothness in the joint, a person will develop less stability and a lot more pain when they try to move.

Getting a diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of the disease can prevent chronic pain and disability in the future. Otherwise, the disease will continue to damage the bones and joints until they become permanently deformed. At that point, no treatment will be able to reverse the deformity of the joint.

Therefore, make sure you get a checkup with your doctor as soon as you notice any pain in your joints. The earlier you treat the problem, the better chance you’ll have of preventing permanent damage to your joints.