RA is an autoimmune condition, in which your immune system mistakes the linings of your joints as “foreign” and attacks and damages them, resulting in inflammation and pain. If you’re experiencing RA symptoms, it’s crucial to get diagnosed as soon as possible so that you can receive prompt treatment. Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms Researchers don’t know exactly what causes the immune system to invade the synovium, but it’s believed that genes and environmental factors play a role in the development of RA. But not everyone with these identified gene variants develops RA, and people without them can still develop it. So, it’s likely that environmental factors often trigger the disease, particularly in people with a genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to it. These factors include:
Viruses and bacteria (though certain infections may reduce RA risk, at least temporarily)Female hormonesExposure to certain kinds of dust and fibersExposure to secondhand smokeObesity, which also increases progression of disability for people with RA.Obese patients are less likely to achieve RA remission regardless of the treatment they receive.Severely stressful eventsFoods
Children up to age 16 who experience prolonged swollen or painful joints anywhere in the body are typically diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Learn More About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment The diagnostic process typically begins when a doctor gets your medical history and conducts a physical exam. They will ask you about your symptoms to look for signs of RA, in particular things like prolonged joint swelling and morning stiffness that lasts at least half an hour after you wake up. Next, your doctor will order blood tests to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), which can be specific markers for RA and could indicate RA. You can still have symmetrical inflammatory arthritis with or without systemic markers of inflammation. In the future, doctors may be able to diagnose RA using (noninvasive) infrared light.
The Different Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as either seropositive or seronegative. People with seropositive RA have ACPAs, also called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides, found in their blood test. These antibodies attack the synovial joints and produce symptoms of RA. People with seronegative RA have the disease without the presence of the antibodies or RF in their blood. Learn More About Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tests and Screenings, Early Diagnosis, and Your Doctors
Fish oil supplementsHot and cold treatmentsExercise and movementMind-body modalities such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and acceptance and commitment therapyBiofeedback
Learn More About How Rheumatoid Arthritis Progresses Proven treatments include medication and physical therapy. Early, aggressive measures can help control symptoms and complications before the disease significantly worsens, by reducing or altogether stopping inflammation as quickly as possible.
Medication Options
In general, these drugs work by slowing the inflammation and protecting the joints from further damage, and are generally prescribed shortly after diagnosis. The type of DMARD a doctor prescribes depends on several factors, including disease severity and the balance between the medication’s benefits and potential side effects. Biologics and JAK inhibitors are options alongside traditional DMARDs. Traditional DMARDs target the entire immune system, while biologics work by targeting specific steps in the inflammatory process, and JAK inhibitors block action in your body to help prevent the inflammation before it starts. Traditional DMARDs are usually taken in pill form, as are JAK inhibitors; biologics are typically injected or delivered via an intravenous infusion. RELATED: New Medication Guidelines for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Released
Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies may be beneficial — in addition to the conventional treatment of medication, physical therapy, and surgery — if needed. Relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, group counseling, and psychotherapy can help reduce the stress of living with RA. Sleeping well is also an important part of managing symptoms. You should always check with your medical provider before trying any complementary or alternative therapies. Learn More About Alternative Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Many people can manage RA with medication and physical therapy, but joint surgery may be an option if your joint damage is severe and limiting your quality of life. Learn More About Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Medications, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More The most common RA comorbidity is cardiovascular disease, but the condition is also associated with several specific cardiovascular issues, including heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and atherosclerosis. RA can also lead to inflammation in other areas of the body, including blood vessels, where it’s known as rheumatoid vasculitis; the lungs, resulting in rheumatoid lung disease or other conditions; the eyes; and the wrists, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn More About the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis: How It Affects Your Body in the Short and Long Term But some evidence suggests that eating certain foods may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms for some people, while other foods have been shown to worsen inflammation and related symptoms. For instance, the ketogenic diet — which is high in fats that promote inflammation and low in certain healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables that help fight inflammation — is generally believed to be bad for RA symptoms and pain. Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet
The Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis. The foundation provides information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community networking. CreakyJoints is a leading support, education, advocacy, and research organization for people living with arthritis and rheumatic disease. It is dedicated to raising awareness of all forms of arthritis, which includes educating people about the available varieties of treatment and management strategies.
Favorite Online Support Network for RA
The Live Yes! Arthritis Network, from the Arthritis Foundation, provides a network of support with the aim of helping people live their best lives. By exchanging ideas, tips, and experiences with others in provided online forums covering a variety of topics, the network empowers people with RA to gain confidence in dealing with their disease proactively.
Favorite Apps, Products, and Gadgets
Arthritis Power App CreakyJoints has partnered with rheumatology researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to create this useful app that helps you track your symptoms and medications and share your experiences of living with RA. In addition to RA, the app also includes research for conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; psoriasis; osteoporosis, osteopenia, and low bone mineral density; osteoarthritis; fibromyalgia; gout; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis; lupus; scleroderma (systemic sclerosis); polymyositis; and dermatomyositis. Dycem Super Grip Tape, $13.95 Dycem’s self-adhering Super Grip Tape provides a cushioned grip that feels more comfortable on the hands. The tape adheres to a variety of surfaces, including brooms, wheelchair arms, mobility devices, and even pens and cutlery. The nonslip grip will help increase the friction of any surface you grab. Besmon Electric Jar Opener, $22.99 This jar opener can handle any jar with lids that are 1 to 3.5 inches in diameter. It’s recommended for people with arthritis, to save your joints the strain of twisting stubborn lids. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener $31.85 The Smooth Touch can open both pop-top and regular cans. It is designed so that it cuts along the side of the can and not the top, minimizing the blade’s contact with food, preventing splashing, and creating a smooth, touchable lid. IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves, $20.99 Many people with rheumatoid arthritis consider compression gloves a must-have accessory. According to research published in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, hand symptoms including pain, stiffness, and swelling improve greatly with the use of compression gloves. IMAK remains one of the easiest brands of gloves to find, both online and in stores. Sunbeam Warming Blanket Sunbeam’s electric blanket can help those with arthritis get off to a better start in the morning by providing the heat necessary to loosen stiff joints. An easy-to-use controller can adjust the blanket through 10 heating levels to help you warm up your joints before getting out of bed. The blanket comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes to fit all standard-size beds.
Favorite Patient Blogs
Chronic Eileen Over a period of two and a half years, Eileen Davidson was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. She began writing Chronic Eileen in June 2017 as a way to battle her struggles with progressing anxiety and depression and to help her handle her new role as a mother with a chronic illness (her article on parenting techniques is definitely worth a read). Her posts share many of these ideas, such as whether arthritis will make tattoos hurt or how to calm the “bitch within” when living with a chronic illness. Carla’s Corner With 25 years of corporate communications experience, Carla Kienast has focused her messaging skill on helping others living with rheumatoid arthritis through her blog. Diagnosed with RA in 2008, Kienast has been through 19 surgeries, including three joint replacements, two spinal fusions, and two rotator cuff operations. She describes her extraordinary experiences dealing with hip and shoulder surgeries, and covers her various, and sometimes ineffective, drug treatments, all with a sense of humor. From This Point. Forward. Mariah Leach was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 25 while pursuing dual graduate degrees. Since then, she has undoubtedly made the most of living with a chronic illness, including giving birth to her third child. In addition to her blog, Leach writes for various health websites. On Mamas Facing Forward, she pays special attention to mothers living with RA in articles on sex, parenting, treatment, and ordinary life with RA. RELATED: 10 Arthritis Blogs to Watch in 2020
Favorite Annual Meetings
American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting Every year, nearly 16,000 rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, fellows in training, patient advocates, and exhibitors from more than 100 countries gather to discuss the latest scientific advances and clinical issues surrounding rheumatoid arthritis. In 2021, it will be held virtually, due to COVID-19. The annual convention hosts sessions that provide ample opportunity for professional development, networking, and access to the latest rheumatology research and clinical applications. Learn More: A Guide to Living With RA During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Help, Resources, and Making a Personal Checklist RELATED: 5 Things People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Must Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines
title: “What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-23” author: “Elouise Phillips”
RA is an autoimmune condition, in which your immune system mistakes the linings of your joints as “foreign” and attacks and damages them, resulting in inflammation and pain. If you’re experiencing RA symptoms, it’s crucial to get diagnosed as soon as possible so that you can receive prompt treatment. Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms Researchers don’t know exactly what causes the immune system to invade the synovium, but it’s believed that genes and environmental factors play a role in the development of RA. But not everyone with these identified gene variants develops RA, and people without them can still develop it. So, it’s likely that environmental factors often trigger the disease, particularly in people with a genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to it. These factors include:
Viruses and bacteria (though certain infections may reduce RA risk, at least temporarily)Female hormonesExposure to certain kinds of dust and fibersExposure to secondhand smokeObesity, which also increases progression of disability for people with RA.Obese patients are less likely to achieve RA remission regardless of the treatment they receive.Severely stressful eventsFoods
Children up to age 16 who experience prolonged swollen or painful joints anywhere in the body are typically diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Learn More About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment The diagnostic process typically begins when a doctor gets your medical history and conducts a physical exam. They will ask you about your symptoms to look for signs of RA, in particular things like prolonged joint swelling and morning stiffness that lasts at least half an hour after you wake up. Next, your doctor will order blood tests to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), which can be specific markers for RA and could indicate RA. You can still have symmetrical inflammatory arthritis with or without systemic markers of inflammation. In the future, doctors may be able to diagnose RA using (noninvasive) infrared light.
The Different Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as either seropositive or seronegative. People with seropositive RA have ACPAs, also called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides, found in their blood test. These antibodies attack the synovial joints and produce symptoms of RA. People with seronegative RA have the disease without the presence of the antibodies or RF in their blood. Learn More About Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tests and Screenings, Early Diagnosis, and Your Doctors
Fish oil supplementsHot and cold treatmentsExercise and movementMind-body modalities such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and acceptance and commitment therapyBiofeedback
Learn More About How Rheumatoid Arthritis Progresses Proven treatments include medication and physical therapy. Early, aggressive measures can help control symptoms and complications before the disease significantly worsens, by reducing or altogether stopping inflammation as quickly as possible.
Medication Options
In general, these drugs work by slowing the inflammation and protecting the joints from further damage, and are generally prescribed shortly after diagnosis. The type of DMARD a doctor prescribes depends on several factors, including disease severity and the balance between the medication’s benefits and potential side effects. Biologics and JAK inhibitors are options alongside traditional DMARDs. Traditional DMARDs target the entire immune system, while biologics work by targeting specific steps in the inflammatory process, and JAK inhibitors block action in your body to help prevent the inflammation before it starts. Traditional DMARDs are usually taken in pill form, as are JAK inhibitors; biologics are typically injected or delivered via an intravenous infusion. RELATED: New Medication Guidelines for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Released
Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies may be beneficial — in addition to the conventional treatment of medication, physical therapy, and surgery — if needed. Relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, group counseling, and psychotherapy can help reduce the stress of living with RA. Sleeping well is also an important part of managing symptoms. You should always check with your medical provider before trying any complementary or alternative therapies. Learn More About Alternative Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Many people can manage RA with medication and physical therapy, but joint surgery may be an option if your joint damage is severe and limiting your quality of life. Learn More About Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Medications, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More The most common RA comorbidity is cardiovascular disease, but the condition is also associated with several specific cardiovascular issues, including heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and atherosclerosis. RA can also lead to inflammation in other areas of the body, including blood vessels, where it’s known as rheumatoid vasculitis; the lungs, resulting in rheumatoid lung disease or other conditions; the eyes; and the wrists, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn More About the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis: How It Affects Your Body in the Short and Long Term But some evidence suggests that eating certain foods may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms for some people, while other foods have been shown to worsen inflammation and related symptoms. For instance, the ketogenic diet — which is high in fats that promote inflammation and low in certain healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables that help fight inflammation — is generally believed to be bad for RA symptoms and pain. Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet
The Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis. The foundation provides information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community networking. CreakyJoints is a leading support, education, advocacy, and research organization for people living with arthritis and rheumatic disease. It is dedicated to raising awareness of all forms of arthritis, which includes educating people about the available varieties of treatment and management strategies.
Favorite Online Support Network for RA
The Live Yes! Arthritis Network, from the Arthritis Foundation, provides a network of support with the aim of helping people live their best lives. By exchanging ideas, tips, and experiences with others in provided online forums covering a variety of topics, the network empowers people with RA to gain confidence in dealing with their disease proactively.
Favorite Apps, Products, and Gadgets
Arthritis Power App CreakyJoints has partnered with rheumatology researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to create this useful app that helps you track your symptoms and medications and share your experiences of living with RA. In addition to RA, the app also includes research for conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; psoriasis; osteoporosis, osteopenia, and low bone mineral density; osteoarthritis; fibromyalgia; gout; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis; lupus; scleroderma (systemic sclerosis); polymyositis; and dermatomyositis. Dycem Super Grip Tape, $13.95 Dycem’s self-adhering Super Grip Tape provides a cushioned grip that feels more comfortable on the hands. The tape adheres to a variety of surfaces, including brooms, wheelchair arms, mobility devices, and even pens and cutlery. The nonslip grip will help increase the friction of any surface you grab. Besmon Electric Jar Opener, $22.99 This jar opener can handle any jar with lids that are 1 to 3.5 inches in diameter. It’s recommended for people with arthritis, to save your joints the strain of twisting stubborn lids. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener $31.85 The Smooth Touch can open both pop-top and regular cans. It is designed so that it cuts along the side of the can and not the top, minimizing the blade’s contact with food, preventing splashing, and creating a smooth, touchable lid. IMAK Compression Arthritis Gloves, $20.99 Many people with rheumatoid arthritis consider compression gloves a must-have accessory. According to research published in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, hand symptoms including pain, stiffness, and swelling improve greatly with the use of compression gloves. IMAK remains one of the easiest brands of gloves to find, both online and in stores. Sunbeam Warming Blanket Sunbeam’s electric blanket can help those with arthritis get off to a better start in the morning by providing the heat necessary to loosen stiff joints. An easy-to-use controller can adjust the blanket through 10 heating levels to help you warm up your joints before getting out of bed. The blanket comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes to fit all standard-size beds.
Favorite Patient Blogs
Chronic Eileen Over a period of two and a half years, Eileen Davidson was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. She began writing Chronic Eileen in June 2017 as a way to battle her struggles with progressing anxiety and depression and to help her handle her new role as a mother with a chronic illness (her article on parenting techniques is definitely worth a read). Her posts share many of these ideas, such as whether arthritis will make tattoos hurt or how to calm the “bitch within” when living with a chronic illness. Carla’s Corner With 25 years of corporate communications experience, Carla Kienast has focused her messaging skill on helping others living with rheumatoid arthritis through her blog. Diagnosed with RA in 2008, Kienast has been through 19 surgeries, including three joint replacements, two spinal fusions, and two rotator cuff operations. She describes her extraordinary experiences dealing with hip and shoulder surgeries, and covers her various, and sometimes ineffective, drug treatments, all with a sense of humor. From This Point. Forward. Mariah Leach was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 25 while pursuing dual graduate degrees. Since then, she has undoubtedly made the most of living with a chronic illness, including giving birth to her third child. In addition to her blog, Leach writes for various health websites. On Mamas Facing Forward, she pays special attention to mothers living with RA in articles on sex, parenting, treatment, and ordinary life with RA. RELATED: 10 Arthritis Blogs to Watch in 2020
Favorite Annual Meetings
American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting Every year, nearly 16,000 rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, fellows in training, patient advocates, and exhibitors from more than 100 countries gather to discuss the latest scientific advances and clinical issues surrounding rheumatoid arthritis. In 2021, it will be held virtually, due to COVID-19. The annual convention hosts sessions that provide ample opportunity for professional development, networking, and access to the latest rheumatology research and clinical applications. Learn More: A Guide to Living With RA During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Help, Resources, and Making a Personal Checklist RELATED: 5 Things People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Must Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines
