Hi Thanks for posting your query 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 ischaemic 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. The drugs usually given are methotrexate ,HCQS,Sulfsalazine along with folic acid and pain killer. 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. Please feel free to ask me if you have any other query. Do you have a family history of multiple joint pains? Hope this information suffices. Take care Regards Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh