Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints as well as other parts of the body. It commonly affects the wrists, hands and knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis might also affect organs such as the heart, skin, lungs and eyes.

Visit the medical library to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctor Make an appointment with a Rheumatologist

Blood Tests A blood test can reveal the presence of rheumatoid factor

Medications A combination of medication, physical therapy and education can help treat this condition

How many people Affects about 1.5 million people in the United States

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Understand the Basics

Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Expect at a Visit with a Rheumatologist

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It commonly affects the wrist and fingers and often starts in middle age. It is most common in older people and women than men. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues. Genes, environment, and hormones might contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and treatments include medicine, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. The immune system protects the body by attacking foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. Read this article to learn more.

How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Your Body?

For most of us, painless movement is something that we take for granted. Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation that can lead to serious pain when trying to perform everyday activities. Learn more about this condition by reading this article.

Understand Causes

What Conditions Trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups?

This article discusses what conditions trigger rheumatoid arthritis flares, tips on how to treat these flares, and how to identify what the exact cause is for your flares.

Being Overweight Can Complicate Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and you are overweight, those extra pounds can be hurting you more than you realize. Read on to learn more.

What are the Causes and Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Nodules?

Rheumatoid nodules are lumps that form in most patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Read more about the causes, complications, and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis in this article.

Understand Treatment

How to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder. There is no specific reason for this disarray in the immune system, and this is why it is difficult to list preventive measures. However, there are some ways to reduce the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, there are certain ways to further slow down the onset of arthritis and flare-ups. Maintaining the mobility and flexibility of the joints is very important.

Alternative Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disorder that causes much discomfort and pain. While traditional medicine has a good number of drugs for dealing with these symptoms, alternative, natural treatments are also available. One should consult a doctor when contemplating the use of these alternatives or adjuncts to one's prescribed medication.

5 Helpful Tips to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis at Home

Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured completely. It is a chronic disease, which means that it continues for life. All the treatment options available are therefore directed toward eliminating the symptoms. The main symptoms of this disease are pain, swelling, and warmth on the joints affected, and sometimes, other parts of the body like the skin, lungs, and heart may also be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups are those periods when all the symptoms suddenly increase. The pain can become so unbearable that immediate medical help is required.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis