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Rheumatoid arthritis of the hands. Coloured bilateral X-ray of the hands and wrists of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The arthritis is particularly severe in the hand at right, with several joint deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative autoimmune disease that mainly affects the capsule (synovium) around the synovial (flexible) joints, causing chronic inflammation. It can be a debilitating and painful condition and can lead to deformities and loss of functioning and mobility.

A Silent Fire review: What you need to know about inflammation

18 January 2023

With A Silent Fire, gastroenterologist Shilpa Ravella offers a fascinating primer on the crucial role of inflammation in our bodies and the emerging links to diet and disease

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