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Aches and pains are a common part of life at every age, and can occur for many reasons — an especially tough workout, too much snow shoveling, lifting something the wrong way, dancing too enthusiastically, or engaging in repetitive hand motions like typing or knitting. But pain is also the most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. According to the American College of Rheumatology, RA is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis, affecting more than 1.3 million Americans — 75 percent of whom are women. The disease usually strikes first between the ages of 30 and 60. The symptoms of RA may be obvious or not, and can sometimes mimic other diseases, especially in the early stages. The most common symptoms of RA — such as pain, swelling, and tenderness around the joints — tend to come on gradually. People may discount minor pains or morning achin...