Symptoms and Causes
What are the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:
- Pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness in more than one joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
- Pain and stiffness in the same joints on both sides of your body
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Weakness
- Fever
RA affects everyone differently. In some people, symptoms develop over several years. In other people, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms progress rapidly VSports注册入口. Many people have time with symptoms (flares) and then time without any symptoms (remission).
What are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include tenderness or pain in small joints like those in your fingers or toes. Or you might notice pain in a larger joint like your knee or shoulder. These early signs of RA are like an alarm clock set to vibrate. It might not always be enough to get your attention. But the early signs are important because the sooner you’re diagnosed with RA, the sooner your treatment can begin V体育官网入口. Also, prompt treatment lowers your risk of developing permanent, painful joint damage.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Researchers think it’s caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental factors VSports在线直播.
Normally, your immune system protects your body from disease. With RA, something triggers your immune system to attack your own joints. An infection, smoking, or physical or emotional stress may be triggers.
Is rheumatoid arthritis genetic?
Scientists have studied many genes as potential risk factors for RA. Certain genetic variations and nongenetic factors contribute to your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Nongenetic factors include sex and exposure to irritants and pollutants.
People born with variations in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. HLA genes help your immune system tell the difference between proteins your body makes and proteins from invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Who is at risk for rheumatoid arthritis?
There are several risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis. These include:
- Biological family history. You’re more likely to develop RA if you have a close relative who also has it.
- Sex. Women are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
- Smoking. Smoking increases a person’s risk of rheumatoid arthritis and makes the disease worse.
- Obesity. Your chances of developing RA are higher if you have obesity.
Advertisement
V体育官网入口 - What are the complications of RA?
Without treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to further complications, including:
Diagnosis and Tests
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
To make a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, your healthcare provider may refer you to a doctor who specializes in arthritis (rheumatologist). Rheumatologists diagnose people with RA based on a combination of several factors. They’ll do a physical exam and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. Your rheumatologist will also order blood tests and imaging tests.
The blood tests look for inflammation and blood proteins (antibodies) that are signs of rheumatoid arthritis. These may include:
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or “sed rate”)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies
- Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies
Your rheumatologist may order imaging tests to look for signs that your joints are wearing away. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the ends of the bones within your joints to wear down. The imaging tests may include:
In some cases, your provider may watch how you do over time before making a definitive diagnosis of RA.
Advertisement
Management and Treatment (VSports)
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
The most important goal of treating rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint pain and swelling. Doing so should help maintain or improve joint function. The long-term goal of treatment is to slow or stop joint damage. Managing joint inflammation reduces your pain and improves your quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments typically include one or more kinds of medication. In certain cases, your provider may recommend surgery. Your provider considers your age, health, medical history and how bad your symptoms are when deciding on a treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis medication
Early treatment with certain drugs can improve your long-term outcome. A combination of drugs may be more effective than, and appear to be as safe as, single-drug therapy.
There are many medications to decrease joint pain, swelling and inflammation, as well as to prevent or slow down the disease. Medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
- Biologics
The safest drug for rheumatoid arthritis is one that gives you the most benefit with the least number of side effects. This varies depending on your health history and the severity of your RA symptoms. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment program.
Advertisement
When is surgery used to treat RA?
Surgery may be an option to restore function to severely damaged joints. Your provider may also recommend surgery if your pain isn’t managed with medication. Surgeries that treat RA include:
- Knee replacement
- Hip replacement
- Other surgeries to correct a deformity
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Although there isn’t currently a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are many effective methods for decreasing your pain and inflammation and slowing down the disease process. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are very important.
If you don’t see a provider for RA treatment, the disease can cause permanent damage to your cartilage and, eventually, your joints. RA can also harm organs like your lungs and heart.
Living With
How do I take care of myself?
It’s important to see your healthcare provider on a regular basis to monitor your symptoms. They’ll also want to know about any side effects you may experience from your medications. Your provider can adjust your dosage or change the types of medications you take. Continue to take your medications until you speak with your provider.
You can also take care of yourself by following a healthy eating plan and getting some physical activity every day. If you smoke, it’s important that you quit.
"V体育平台登录" What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
Questions you may want to ask your provider include:
- Do I have RA or another type of arthritis?
- What medications do you recommend for me?
- What side effects of the medications should I look out for?
- What can I do to prevent rheumatoid arthritis flares?
- Do I need surgery?
- Will I pass down RA to my children?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may feel like you’re on a lifelong roller coaster of pain and fatigue. It’s important to share these feelings and your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Along with X-rays and blood tests, what you say about your quality of life will help inform your treatment. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and recommend the right treatment plan for your needs. Most people can manage rheumatoid arthritis and still do the activities they care about.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, but with the right treatment, you can manage it. Cleveland Clinic is here to help you live an active life.
Last reviewed on 11/06/2024.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.