Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. In RA, this reaction mainly targets the joints, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. Unlike many other types of arthritis, RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body.² Over time, inflammation can lead to joint damage, loss of mobility and physical deformities. RA can also affect other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart and blood vessels. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing symptoms and preventing the progression of the disease.⁵

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Other common signs include fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. In the early stages, inflammation may affect smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes. As RA progresses, it can impact other joints, causing reduced mobility and changes in joint shape. Later stages of the disease can also damage other areas of the body, including organs. RA can affect people differently and can flare due to triggers like stress, increased physical activity and smoking.³

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation and damage. The exact causes are not yet clear, but RA likely occurs due to a mix of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors.¹ People are more likely to develop RA if they have a family history of the disease, smoke, are overweight or are female, since women are twice as likely to develop RA than men.³ Studies suggest other things, such as diet, exposure to pollution and certain infections can also trigger the immune system’s response in genetically predisposed individuals.

Rheumatoid arthritis often starts with general symptoms like fatigue, a feeling of discomfort, or mild joint stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of rest. In the early stages, it may be localized to smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes. Over weeks or months, symptoms may intensify, with swelling, warmth and pain in the affected areas becoming more noticeable and spreading to other joints.¹

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed through a combination of your medical history, physical exams, lab tests and imaging. Your doctor will check for joint swelling, warmth and tenderness, and ask about pain, stiffness and fatigue. They may also ask when your symptoms are worse, and which factors tend to make them better or worse, making it important to track your habits and symptoms. If your symptoms are consistent with RA, your doctor may order blood tests to look for signs of inflammation or check for specific antibodies. Imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs, may also be used to assess the joint damage and disease progression.³

Because rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, flare-ups can happen when something triggers inflammation in the body. Common triggers include stress, infections, alcohol, smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, physical overexertion and even changes in weather. Missing or skipping medications may also lead to flare-ups. This is why healthy lifestyle choices and following your treatment plan are crucial for managing rheumatoid arthritis pain and symptoms.³

Yes. Although rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the joints, it can also cause inflammation in other parts of the body. RA may affect the lungs, heart, eyes, skin and blood vessels. Over time, this can cause lung conditions like interstitial lung disease, pleuritis or pulmonary nodules and may increase the risk of heart disease. RA can also cause eye conditions like dry eye or scleritis and can trigger skin nodules or rashes. Additionally, the inflammation associated with RA may cause fatigue, fever and anemia. Getting treatment early and following your care plan can help reduce these risks and protect other parts of your body.⁴

Making healthy lifestyle changes can be very important for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Regular low-impact exercise, like walking, swimming, cycling or yoga, can improve joint flexibility, increase mobility and strengthen muscles. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your joints. Additionally, a balanced anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids can minimize flare-ups. Getting plenty of rest and practicing stress management activities, like meditation, can also support overall health and help manage symptoms.⁴

No, there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it can be managed effectively with the right combination of medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. With proper care, many people with RA are able to live active, fulfilling lives, managing their symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease.⁵

Yes, modern advancements in medicine have provided new treatment options for people living with rheumatoid arthritis. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors like upadacitinib have recently been approved by the FDA for moderate to severe cases of RA. These medications work by targeting pathways involved in the inflammatory process of RA. They offer an alternative for patients who have not responded as well to other types of approved treatments. While there are new and effective medications available, researchers continue to develop potential new therapies, offering hope for even better treatment options in the future.⁶