Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a symmetrical, progressive and erosive polyarthritis that mainly affects the small joints of the hands and feet, and is characterized by joint pain, swelling and dysfunction, with prolonged and recurrent symptoms. It is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joints. The main pathological changes are chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joints, formation of pannus, destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone, which ultimately lead to joint deformity and ankylosis, and loss of function. Genetics, infection, random factors, sex hormones, environmental factors, self-psychological factors, and traditional Chinese medicine's deficiency of the body's health, invasion of pathogens, and phlegm and blood stasis may all be the cause of this disease.