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By Stephen Beech

Arthritis begins long before the painful symptoms start to show, reveals new research.

The seven-year study identified new "early warning signs" that could help doctors spot at-risk patients most likely to develop the debilitating condition.

The discovery will enable more targeted monitoring and earlier intervention, say scientists.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease that causes painful joint inflammation and damage.

It affects around one in 100 people worldwide, and is significantly more common in women than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis typically develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

The new study reveals that people at risk experience "dramatic" immune system changes long before they feel any

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