Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder whose main manifestation is pain. RA is not fatal. However, it can mark an ending to a mobile life, and start an entrapment in a body whose joints have become stiff and crippled. It affects 1 individual in every 100. While not as widespread as osteoarthritis, RA can become severe more rapidly. Most people who are going to have RA are between the ages of 20 and 40. But it can begin at any age.