Hi Thanks for posting Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is autoimmune in nature. It affects mainly synovial joints like the joints of hands, feet, although any joint can be affected by it. Just like various chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and ischemic heart disease are not curable but controllable; rheumatoid arthritis is also controllable. With proper medication you can lead an absolutely normal life without any pain or disability. It is not advisable to stop medication on your own as it only leads to accrual of joint damage and leads to joint deformities. So keep a positive attitude and take regular medication; also exercise regularly. This can be assessed by following blood test- complete blood count, serum RA and ANA factor, Anti ccp antibody test. Do you have a family history of multiple joint pains? My advice would be visit a rheumatologist/physician for evaluation and treatment. Hope this information suffices. Take care Regards Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh