What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, causing persistent inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, RA typically affects joints symmetrically—meaning if one knee or hand is involved, the other usually is too.
Because RA is a systemic condition, its effects can extend beyond the joints to other organs and tissues throughout the body. Without proper treatment, ongoing inflammation can erode cartilage and bone, leading to permanent joint damage, chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term disability.
While rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, it most commonly appears in adults between 30 and 60 years old, with women diagnosed two to three times more often than men. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for slowing disease progression and preserving joint function.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown, but researchers have identified several risk factors that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. Some of these are genetic, while others relate to lifestyle or life history:
- Age: RA can occur at any age, but risk increases as you get older
- Sex: Women are diagnosed two to three times more often than men
- Smoking: Strongly linked to RA development, especially in those with genetic predisposition
- Reproductive history: Women who have never given birth may face higher risk
- Obesity: Associated with both increased risk and more severe disease activity
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and imaging. Because RA symptoms can resemble other conditions, your rheumatologist will use multiple tools to reach an accurate diagnosis.
During your visit, your provider will review your symptoms and medical history, asking about the location of joint pain, when symptoms started, and whether they follow patterns such as morning stiffness. A physical examination will assess your joints for swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness, while also evaluating your range of motion and muscle strength.
Blood tests can help support an RA diagnosis. Common tests include rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, as well as markers of inflammation such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Early diagnosis allows for more timely treatment, which can help slow disease progression and preserve joint function.
Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but a range of treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression. Here are some of the most common forms of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis:
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