Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic condition, which means it lasts a long time and needs ongoing care.¹ It usually starts in smaller joints, such as those in your hands and wrists, but it can spread to larger joints like knees and shoulders.

RA occurs when your immune system attacks the lining of your joints, called the synovium. This attack causes inflammation, which leads to pain and swelling. If untreated, RA can damage cartilage and bone, making joints look different and harder to move.³

RA doesn’t just affect joints. It can also cause problems in other organs. Some people experience eye dryness, lung issues, or heart complications. This makes RA more than just a joint disease—it’s a whole-body condition.¹

What are common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?

RA symptoms often start slowly, but sometimes they appear suddenly. The most common signs include:

• Pain and swelling in joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees.¹
• Morning stiffness that lasts more than 45 minutes.¹
• Feeling very tired.¹
• Running a low fever.¹
• Losing weight without trying.²

Unlike some other conditions, RA usually affects both sides of the body at the same time. For example, if your right wrist hurts, your left wrist might hurt too.¹

These symptoms can make everyday tasks like opening jars or walking harder to manage. Spotting these signs early is important because early treatment can prevent permanent joint damage.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of RA, but they believe it’s a mix of genetics and environmental triggers.

• Genetic factors: Certain genes and a family history raises your risk.²
• Smoking: One of the biggest risk factors, as it raises your chance of getting RA and can make it worse.²
• Gender: Women are two to three times more likely to get RA than men.²
• Age: RA is highest amongst adults 50-59. However, RA can occur at any age, even in children (called juvenile idiopathic arthritis).²

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing RA isn’t always simple because its symptoms can look like other conditions. Doctors start with a physical exam to check for swelling, warmth, and tenderness in your joints. They also ask about your medical history and symptoms.³

Blood tests can help diagnose RA by looking for inflammation and antibodies linked to the disease. Imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), help doctors see joint damage and track how the disease is progressing.³

Early diagnosis is critical. The sooner RA is found, the sooner treatment can start, which helps reduce joint damage and improve quality of life.³

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

While there is no cure for RA, early diagnosis and treatment help you manage pain and symptoms.² RA treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, easing pain, and preventing joint damage. Most people need a combination of approaches.

Medications

• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) like methotrexate slow the disease.²
• Biologics target specific parts of the immune system for more precise control.²
• Steroids and NSAIDs help manage pain and swelling.²

Lifestyle Changes

• Follow a healthy diet³
• Exercise each day²
• Stop smoking²
• Maintain a healthy weight²
• Reduce stress³

Living Well with RA

RA can feel overwhelming, but many people live full lives with the right strategies. Emotional health matters too. Joining a support group or talking to a counselor can help you cope with stress and stay motivated.

Remember, RA is a long-term condition, but with treatment and self-care, you can stay active and independent.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

RA and osteoarthritis (OA) are both types of arthritis, but they are very different.³ RA is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling in joints on both sides of the body.

OA happens when cartilage wears down over time, usually in weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. RA often starts earlier in life, while OA is more common as people age. Treatments differ too: RA treatment focuses on controlling the immune system, while OA treatment aims to relieve pain and protect joints.

What happens if rheumatoid arthritis is not treated?

If RA is not treated, joint damage can get worse over time. This can lead to long-term pain, joint changes, and difficulty moving. RA can also affect other parts of the body, such as the heart and lungs. Early diagnosis and treatment helps lower these risks.

Can rheumatoid arthritis affect children?

Yes. Some children develop a type of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It has some of the same symptoms as adult RA, but it's diagnosed and treated differently.