This study reports initial and long-term results of rehabilitation of thirty-two patients with rheumatoid arthritis presenting to a rheumatic diseases unit unable to walk. The most common reason for deterioration to this state was knee-joint activity or secondary degenerative change. At follow-up after a mean of 6.3 years, twelve patients had died, reflecting the bias of the group in terms of age and severity of disease. However, it was possible to rehabilitate most patients to a useful degree of independence, and this was maintained in a considerable number.