ONE of the greatest difficulties in recognizing rheumatoid arthritis, except in a severe, advanced form, arises from the fact that the disease may have many types of onset and may vary greatly in its course.123456 It often resembles other types of joint disease so closely that incorrect diagnoses are made and proper therapy is not instituted at a time when it is most beneficial.The typical picture of rheumatoid arthritis is well known in its fully developed form.123456789 Unfortunately, it is the severe, crippling stage that most physicians and patients visualize when the word "arthritis" is mentioned. Even in these . . .