What condition involves inflammation of the joints and potentially crippling deformities?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. This inflammatory process primarily affects the synovial membranes, which can lead to pain, swelling, and ultimately the destruction of cartilage and bone within the joints. Over time, chronic inflammation can result in crippling deformities and significant loss of joint function.

Rheumatoid arthritis typically presents symmetrically, affecting multiple joints, and can lead to systemic symptoms such as fatigue and malaise. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial as they can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent joint damage.

In contrast, other conditions listed, such as gout, are characterized by specific types of inflammation primarily affecting individual joints and are often related to metabolic disorders. Osteoarthritis involves degenerative joint changes rather than inflammation and does not typically lead to crippling deformities in the same way rheumatoid arthritis does. Sciatica is related to nerve pain rather than joint inflammation.