Rheumatoid arthritis is a prevalent clinical condition with a worldwide distribution, which affects both men and women, though it is much more common among females. It is a chronic disease mainly affecting mobile joints, but with a substantial impact on different organs and systems of the human body. Rheumatoid arthritis severely influences the quality of life of patients since it has a considerable economic impact by limiting the functional capacity of patients to such an extent that it interferes with their ability to work on a permanent basis; also, in its advanced stages, it may become highly disabling. Since treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach, it generates high costs both to the healthcare system, the patients and their families.The purpose of this work is to provide updated information on the clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis which should be thoroughly studied due to its social and economic impact.
