(HealthDay News) -- Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic swelling and inflammation in the joints, which can result in permanent damage and long-term complications.

By identifying the process behind crippling arthritis, the Stanford research offers hope that someday it will be possible to interrupt it. The problem isn't just injury -- but the body's response to it, scientists say.

We all know that remaining active through exercise is an important part of improving or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is even more important for those affected with one of the various forms of arthritis, which is a condition where inflammation affects one or more joints resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is the area where two bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects a joint and allows it to move smoothly. It also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint. Without a normal amount of cartilage, bones rub together, causing ...

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may be at risk for certain cancers due to medication -- or RA-related inflammation itself. The best thing you can do is to be aware, but don't worry excessively.