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Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
Anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies)
May also test positive for ANA (antinuclear antibodies) in some patients
Joints (especially hands, wrists, knees, ankles)
Can also affect lungs, heart, skin, eyes, and blood vessels
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and over time, permanent joint damage. Unlike wear-and-tear arthritis (like osteoarthritis), RA is caused by inflammation that can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
RA tends to affect smaller joints first (like fingers and toes), and it usually impacts both sides of the body (symmetrically).
Joint pain, especially in fingers, wrists, knees, and ankles
Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
Swollen, warm joints
Fatigue and low-grade fever
Loss of joint function or range of motion
Firm lumps under the skin (called rheumatoid nodules)
Weight loss or appetite loss
RA symptoms often come and go—with periods of flares and remission.
RA is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The exact cause is unknown, but several risk factors play a role:
Genetics (family history of RA or other autoimmune diseases)
Hormonal factors (more common in women)
Smoking (strong risk factor)
Environmental exposures (e.g., asbestos, silica)
Gut microbiome imbalance (emerging research)
Doctors may use a combination of:
Physical exam (checking for joint swelling and tenderness)
Blood tests:
Rheumatoid factor (RF)
Anti-CCP antibodies (highly specific to RA)
ESR and CRP (markers of inflammation)
X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to detect joint damage
RA can be difficult to diagnose in early stages because symptoms can mimic other conditions.
There is no cure, but treatment focuses on slowing the disease, managing pain, and maintaining joint function:
DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) like methotrexate
Biologic agents (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept)
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and swelling
Steroids (like prednisone) for quick symptom relief
Physical therapy and joint-friendly exercise
Surgery (in severe cases) to repair or replace joints
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people live active, full lives
Without treatment, RA can cause permanent joint damage, disability, or affect organs
Modern treatments can slow progression and reduce flare frequency
Affects about 1 in 100 adults
3 times more common in women
Most often begins between ages 30–60, but can occur at any age
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis exists in children (now called JIA)
Arthritis Foundation. (2023). Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview.
https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Rheumatoid Arthritis.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis
Smolen, J. S., et al. (2016). Rheumatoid arthritis. The Lancet, 388(10055), 2023–2038.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30173-8
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (2022). Rheumatoid Arthritis.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis
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