Is joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis inevitable over a persons life? im 33 years old. if i have ra for 40+ years is joint damage inevitable?

As with many conditions which affect articulating surfaces, chronic inflammation over time will create significant damage which may require surgical correction to permit diminished pain and functional improvement.

Joint damage to some extent would be expected after decades of inflammatory arthritis with the understanding that there is a wide variety of forms from mild to extremely severe, disfiguring arthritis and tight treatment along the years along with use/overuse will contribute as well.