Dominate the NBCE 2025: Unleash Your Chiropractic Skills with Confidence!

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, which often leads to swelling, pain, and stiffness. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium—the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This immune response causes the joints to become swollen and can result in significant joint damage over time.

While osteoarthritis, gout, and bursitis are also related to joint issues, they have different underlying mechanisms. Osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative joint disease that arises from wear and tear, rather than an autoimmune response. Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to acute inflammation, and is not classified as an autoimmune disease. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursae, the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints, but it is typically a result of repetitive motion or injury rather than an autoimmune condition. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis is the most appropriate choice due to its strong association with autoimmune processes leading to swollen joints.