Rheumatoid Arthritis Information

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn't need to come between you and your ability to live an active and productive life. Ongoing research and new treatment advances are continually giving people with RA new hope. Early, aggressive treatment may help control rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and often helps to minimize severe joint damage.

Knowing as much as you can about your condition is one of the best ways of ensuring that you end up with a personalized treatment plan. That plan will usually include the right mix of medication, exercise and other effective health strategies.

It's important for you and your doctor to recognize how rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your well-being and level of functioning. Since RA is a chronic (life-long) condition, it's also a good idea for you to become comfortable with the way your therapy is administered. Different rheumatoid arthritis treatment options may be better suited to your personal preferences and lifestyle than others.

What is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis involves the body's immune system. In people with RA, the immune system appears to respond abnormally, mistaking the body's healthy tissue for an invading substance, and then attacking it. For this reason, RA is referred to as an autoimmune disease. We still have a lot to learn about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis but the good news is that researchers are learning more every day.

RA appears to be associated with a number of different factors. These include genetic predisposition, the possibility that it may be due to some type of infection, and gender (women are two to three times more likely to develop RA than men).

Joint Damage from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis results in inflammation in the lining of the joints. Left untreated it can lead to permanent damage such as joint deformity and disability. Joint damage can occur even in cases where the pain is not severe and can happen in the early stages of the disease.

If you are experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or have been diagnosed with the disease, you may find it helpful to fill out the RA Self-Assessment Discussion Guide.