1 of 9 / Overview
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Learn all about rheumatoid arthritis, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Conditions That Can Look Like RA
It's sometimes hard to tell whether you have RA or something else. A lot of other conditions share similar warning signs.
Progression and Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Everybody's different when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis. Your symptoms may not be the same as another person with RA.
Is Remission Possible With RA?
The goal of your RA treatment is remission. It can make you feel like your RA has gone away -- at least for a while.
2 of 9 / Symptoms
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Symptoms and Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms are different for each person who has this long-term disease.
RA Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Rheumatoid arthritis can have many symptoms. Some are signs of complications that put your organs, or your life, at risk.
Why RA Is Different for Everyone
Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, partly based on their genes. That means the treatments can differ too.
When RA Affects Your Hands and Fingers
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect any joint in your body, including those in your hands and fingers.
3 of 9 / Causes & Risks
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Causes and Risk Factors
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis. But they know some things that could be risk factors.
Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis and Why?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 1.3 million American adults, or around 1% of the total population.
How Does TNF Cause Inflammation?
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a protein in your body that causes inflammation and helps coordinate the process.
Coffee and RA: What’s the Link?
Some research suggests that coffee might make your RA worse, while others don’t see a connection.
4 of 9 / Tests & Diagnosis
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Diagnosis
RA is a problem with your immune system. If you don’t diagnose and treat it in time, it could harm your joints.
Blood Tests for RA and Other Autoimmune Conditions
Learn about arthritis blood tests and the specific markers that may indicate RA or other types of arthritis.
What Is the Rheumatoid Factor Test?
Find out who should have a rheumatoid factor test and what it means if you have a positive result.
When You’re Seronegative for RA
If you’re seronegative for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may or may not have RA. It can make it harder to get an RA diagnosis.
5 of 9 / Treatment
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Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis usually includes medications, occupational or physical therapy, and exercise.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Guide
Arthritis meds play a role in controlling the progression of RA. Starting treatment soon after diagnosis is essential.
How to Manage Side Effects of RA Medications
Medications for your rheumatoid arthritis could have side effects, but there are steps you can take to manage them.
How to Manage Your RA If You Can’t Visit Your Doctor
Here’s what to know about managing your RA if you can’t visit your doctor or have trouble getting your regular meds.
6 of 9 / Living With
View AllTips for Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
You have the power to help yourself manage your RA every day. Here are some ways to do it.
6 Rheumatoid Arthritis Mistakes to Avoid
You do your best to live a full life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But do you recognize any of these common missteps?
Life Hacks for Rheumatoid Arthritis
With RA, you know that some days are easier than others. These shortcuts, tools, and tricks can help you get things done.
Young Adults Living With RA
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more likely to appear in middle age, but young adults can get RA, too.
7 of 9 / Mobility & Assistive Devices
View AllAssistive Devices for Easier Living With RA
Assistive devices are products and tools that can make life with rheumatoid arthritis easier.
Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you already have foot pain or other problems due to RA, good footwear can support your feet and lessen discomfort.
Can Orthotics Help With RA?
RA can lead to issues with your feet. Orthotics can help correct misalignments and other biomechanical problems.
RA Gloves
Occupational therapists sometimes recommend arthritis gloves to help with symptoms you experience with RA.
8 of 9 / Complications
View AllWhat You Need to Know About RA Joint Deformities
RA medications may prevent, slow, or stop the damage that leads to deformed joints.
What to Know About Swan Neck Deformity?
Swan neck deformity is a hand deformity in which your fingers are bent abnormally.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a painful condition that makes your fingers or thumb catch or lock when you bend them.
When RA Causes Skin Problems
RA mainly affects the joints. But it, and many of the medications that treat it, can also affect the skin.
9 of 9 / Support & Resources
View AllHow to Find Rheumatoid Arthritis Support
RA can bring many physical and emotional challenges to your life. It helps to have people who understand and can help.
How to Talk to People About Your RA
RA may affect your work, home, and social lives. Opening up to people close to you can teach them about your disease.
When You Need Help With Daily Tasks Due to RA
Your RA may reach a point where it keeps you from carrying on with your daily tasks and activities as before.
RA Patient Support Communities
If you want to connect with other people with RA, here are some nonprofit organizations, blogs, and online communities.
Suggested Reads about Rheumatoid Arthritis
From Symptoms to Diagnosis: How One Woman Manages Her RA
Jennifer Holder was 29 when she got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and she’s been learning how to avoid triggers and manage her symptoms ever since.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health When You Have RA
For Jennifer Holder, taking care of her mental health while managing her rheumatoid arthritis means celebrating victories both big and small.
How One RA Patient Manages Her Diet and Exercise
Jennifer Holder knows what foods can cause inflammation, but knowing her “limits” lets her enjoy her life while managing her rheumatoid arthritis.
‘I’m Too Young for This’: Life With an Early RA Diagnosis
Thanks to early diagnosis and new treatment options, people with RA – even younger adults in the midst of career development, family-building, and active lives – can experience remission.
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