The pain can be so severe that it can leave you helpless and dependent on others if left untreated. Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans, 1.5 million of which are women according to the Arthritis Foundation. Today's advances in biological therapies are giving most patients living with rheumatoid arthritis real hope for the future. In fact early, aggressive treatment may prevent further deterioration of an affected joint, and possibly reverse the progression of the disease...a new approach that is showing real success.