The musculoskeletal structures of the body may be severely affected by rheumatoid arthritis. When inflammation strikes the joints, the muscles may become shrunken and weak. This is known as atrophy. The most vulnerable area that may be affected by atrophy is the area of the hands. Atrophy is not directly caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Atrophy is the result of not using certain muscles for an extended period of time. When rheumatoid arthritis strikes, the affected joints and muscles may become the source of discomfort, pain, and swelling. This causes the patient to not use the stricken muscles, and this in turn causes atrophy. 

The digestive tract is also affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The most common complication is known as dry mouth, which is related to Sjogren syndrome. Most digestive complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis appear to develop as a result of the medications taken to control the disease. The most common digestive complaints related to the medications include stomach ulcers and stomach inflammation (gastritis).

The patient's blood may also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients find that they develop anemia. Anemia is a result of a low level of red blood cells, and a low level of hemoglobin in the blood cells. These are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the blood stream.

The course of rheumatoid arthritis in a particular patient cannot be predicted with any certainty.  Usually it follows a slow progressive course, interrupted by months or even years, when it appears that there is no activity.  Some other patients experience a very mild case with little or no discomfort.  And some other patients experience a chronic course for many years before it burns itself off. 

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