There's a big difference between osteoarthritis, which most of us have to deal with to some extent as we age and rheumatoid arthritis, an immune disease wherein the body's immune system attacks the joints and causes deformities of the hands, etc. NSAIDS and other meds can help control the pain but if you really have RA they won't stop joint damage or the deformities of the hand.etc. that most people associate with RA.
Search "rheumatoid arthritis symptoms" on the 'net.
