Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Information & Community
Find out about rheumatoid arthritis including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, patient stories, support, and much more from an RA community perspective.
Forums - RheumatoidArthritis.net
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Physical Examination for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis. It is caused by immune cells attacking the joints, most commonly the joints of the fingers, wrists, elbows, and toes. This causes inflammation, pain, and damage in these areas. In the early stages of RA, it can be difficult to distinguish RA from other types of arthritis.
What Treatment Options Are Available for RA? - RheumatoidArthritis.net
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) Traditional DMARDs, also called conventional DMARDS, decrease inflammation and work to slow or prevent further damage to the joints. The most common DMARD is methotrexate. This drug was first used as a cancer-fighting drug. It is now a first-line treatment for RA. 4.
Joint and Non-joint Symptoms on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms can vary from person to person and can even change from day to day. In people with RA, the body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissues inside the joints.This causes an inflammatory response that results in swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially when the joint is used. 1,2
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms and complications. RA can have different symptoms or complications depending on which parts of the body are affected. RA can cause swollen, stiff, and painful joints, which can make it difficult to move. RA also may damage bones, muscles, and tendons. People with RA may feel very tired or have low fevers. 4.
Advice for Those Newly Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis
How tough life with RA can be. Amanda Osowski: This question makes me well up with tears because I honestly think about it so often. When I was initially diagnosed with RA, I wish someone had told me, first of all, that getting "better" was going to be a long and extensive journey, and that the first medication or biologic I took might not make ...
Knee Pain and Inflammation from Rheumatoid Arthritis
In most cases, knee pain, swelling, and inflammation develop in the later stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).The knee is the largest and strongest joint in the body. When it becomes affected by RA, you may have trouble doing everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs. 1,2 Since RA in the knee can greatly impact mobility and quality of life, the sooner treatment is started, the ...
Rheumatoid Arthritis by the Numbers: Who Gets It?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common type of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body attacks itself. It usually damages the joints and nearby tissue, leading to painful and stiff joints. Some people are more likely to develop RA than others. 1,2 Different rates of …
Shoulder Pain and Inflammation from Rheumatoid Arthritis
In most cases, shoulder pain and inflammation tend to happen in the later stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in people who are older when they develop RA. It usually causes a reduced range of motion and decreased muscle strength in the shoulder. This can make it hard to do everyday tasks like reaching up to a shelf or lifting your arms to ...