Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body’s immune system attacks its own cells. It affects many parts of your body, including the joints, muscles, heart, skin and blood vessels. It can also lead to problems with other organs, such as the lungs and kidneys.
Symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Some people also have bumps (called rheumatoid nodules) that are hard, firm lumps under the skin over bony areas.
A physical exam by your doctor can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. He or she will check for swollen and painful joints and look at how well your body moves. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist to get blood tests that can confirm a diagnosis.
Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis mimic other illnesses, so it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. One of the clues to a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is joint swelling, especially in the small joints in the hands and feet. This usually occurs on both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern and is accompanied by fatigue and weight loss.
Your doctor will ask about your other symptoms, such as muscle weakness or a fever. He or she will also do a physical examination and look for signs of joint swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness.
The doctor will tell you if you have rheumatoid arthritis and what treatment you should start. They will prescribe drugs for inflammation and reduce your symptoms. The drugs are called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications, which work in different ways, can improve your symptoms and slow or prevent joint damage.
Drugs can’t cure RA, but they can ease your symptoms and make it easier for you to manage your condition. Your doctor will recommend a combination of drugs, which can be changed from time to time.
Keep up with your medications and take them as prescribed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor right away so that you can get it on time. It’s important to continue taking your medications if you want to keep your RA under control.
Getting plenty of rest is key to managing your RA symptoms. Resting when you feel tired and getting a good night’s sleep are the best ways to keep your energy high and protect your joints.
It’s also important to find ways to manage your symptoms at home, such as with self-care and using adaptive equipment or devices. If your arthritis is severe, you may need to see a physiotherapist for exercises or other treatments that can help you stay active and maintain mobility.
Talk to your family about how you’re feeling, and ask them for support. They can be especially helpful during flares when you need someone to listen and help with your daily tasks.
Connect with other people who have rheumatoid disease, either in your community or online. These connections can help you feel less alone and provide a sense of support that will improve your quality of life.
