Rheumatoid arthritis, often called RA, affects about 18 million people worldwide, and about 70 percent are women1. It commonly begins in midlife or later, but it can happen at almost any adult age.
Rheumatoid arthritis can make everyday tasks harder. Opening jars, typing, walking long distances, or even getting dressed in the morning may feel difficult because of pain and stiffness. Fatigue is also common and can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that modern treatments aim for remission or very low disease activity. With early care and regular follow-up, many people are able to control inflammation, protect their joints, and maintain independence2 3.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Swollen, tender joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet
- Stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 30 minutes
- Pain on both sides of the body, such as both hands or both knees
- Warmth around affected joints
- Ongoing fatigue or low energy
- Reduced grip strength, trouble opening jars, typing, or buttoning clothes
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs when feet, ankles, or knees are involved
- Occasional low-grade fever or feeling generally unwell
If rheumatoid arthritis is not well controlled, joints may gradually change shape over time.
Did you know?
Most people with rheumatoid arthritis do not need joint surgery if inflammation is controlled early with the right medications2.
Regular physical activity is safe for most people with RA and can improve strength, heart health, and fatigue when tailored to your condition6.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone over time2.
Doctors believe rheumatoid arthritis develops because of a mix of genetic risk and environmental triggers. You cannot “catch” rheumatoid arthritis, and you did not cause it.
Factors that increase risk include:
- Smoking, which is strongly linked to certain types of rheumatoid arthritis and worse outcomes1
- Obesity, which may increase risk and make remission harder to achieve1
- Being female
- Increasing age
- Certain workplace exposures, such as dust or silica
Managing risk factors like smoking and weight can improve long-term outcomes.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you have:
- Joint swelling that lasts more than a few weeks
- Stiffness in the morning that takes a long time to ease
- Pain and swelling in small joints of the hands or feet
- Symptoms affecting several joints at once
Seek a doctor right away if you notice:
- A single very hot, swollen joint with fever, which could signal infection
- Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe neck pain with weakness or numbness
- Eye redness with pain and light sensitivity
Early referral to a specialist is important. Starting treatment quickly can prevent permanent joint damage4.
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Most people with rheumatoid arthritis improve with early, active treatment. Surgery is not the first step. The goal is to control inflammation, protect joints, and help you stay active.
Treatment usually includes:
- Education and activity guidance Understanding the disease, tracking symptoms, and learning how to pace activity are key parts of care4.
- Disease-modifying medications These are called DMARDs. Methotrexate is often the first medication used. If needed, other advanced therapies may be added to reach remission or low disease activity2 3.
- Short-term steroids These may be used briefly to calm severe inflammation while long-term medications take effect2.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief These can reduce pain and swelling but do not prevent joint damage4.
- Injections Steroid injections into a joint may help during flares4.
- Exercise and rehabilitationAerobic and strengthening exercises can improve function and reduce pain without harming joints when done appropriately5 6.
With a treat-to-target strategy, doctors regularly measure disease activity and adjust medications to aim for remission or low disease activity2 3. Many people see meaningful improvement within months of starting treatment.
Sword's approach
Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.
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Clinical insight
