Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own joints, causing painful inflammation, swelling, and gradual joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is a systemic condition affecting not only joints but also organs including the heart, lungs, and eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent joint destruction and disability.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Autoimmune dysfunction — immune system attacks joint lining
- Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR4 gene variants)
- Female sex — three times more common in women
- Hormonal factors
- Smoking — significant risk factor
- Environmental triggers: infections or stress
- Obesity
- Age — most common onset 40–60 years
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include:
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Joint stiffness worse in the morning lasting more than an hour
- Joints affected symmetrically on both sides
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
- Firm bumps (rheumatoid nodules) under skin
- Joint deformity over time
- Reduced grip strength
- Eye, lung, or heart involvement in some people
Diagnosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Rheumatoid Arthritis may include:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine
- Biologic DMARDs: TNF inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept)
- JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib)
- Corticosteroids for short-term flare management
- NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Joint protection strategies
- Regular monitoring and blood tests
Prevention
No definitive prevention. Stopping smoking reduces risk and severity. Early treatment when diagnosed is the most important preventive measure against disability.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Rheumatoid Arthritis can lead to complications including:
Permanent joint damage, disability, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, lung disease, and increased infection risk from medications.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: M05. Last reviewed June 2026.