Rheumatoid arthritis
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.
Symptoms
Joint pain/swelling/stiffness (hands/feet/wrists). Symmetrical. Worse in morning. Fatigue.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system (which usually fights infection) attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, this can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone. It's not clear what triggers this problem with the immune system, although you're at an increased risk if: you are a womanyou have a family history of rheumatoid arthritisyou smoke Find out more about thecauses of rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
DMARDs (Methotrexate); Biologics; Steroids; Physio. Surgery.
Prevention
Stop smoking; Healthy weight.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so they can try to identify the underlying cause. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis quickly is important, because early treatment can prevent it getting worse and reduce the risk of joint damage. Find out more aboutdiagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.