What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.

The exact cause of RA is not fully understood. Experts believe genetics, immune system changes, hormones, and environmental factors may all play a role. RA is more common in women and often develops during middle adulthood, though it can affect people of any age.

RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, especially in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Over time, ongoing inflammation can damage joints and make movement more difficult.

Symptoms and Causes

RA symptoms may develop gradually or appear more suddenly. Many people experience periods when symptoms worsen, known as flare-ups.

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Swelling in multiple joints
• Morning stiffness
• Fatigue or low energy
• Warm or red joints
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty gripping or using the hands
• Small lumps called rheumatoid nodules

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosing RA involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Your provider may order:

• Blood tests to look for inflammation and RA-related antibodies
• X-rays to check for joint damage
• Ultrasound or MRI scans to detect inflammation early

Because symptoms can resemble other conditions, ongoing evaluation may help confirm the diagnosis over time.

How Is It Treated?

Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment can help reduce pain, slow joint damage, and improve daily function.

Treatment may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic therapies
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Exercise programs to maintain strength and flexibility
• Splints or supportive devices to protect joints

In severe cases, surgery such as joint replacement may help restore movement and reduce pain.

Early treatment is important because it can help prevent long-term joint damage and improve quality of life.