1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis / Joint Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Cause - Diagnosis - Symptoms - Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure. Early, aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can help manage the disease, and better control pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Learn more about medications, surgery, diet, exercise, and pain relief options for rheumatoid arthritis.
Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis - What You Need to Know
A diagnosis of severe rheumatoid arthritis indicates that there is a high level of joint pain, stiffness, and swelling of the affected joints. Inflammatory markers such as CRP and sedrate may be elevated. Also, with severe rheumatoid arthritis, there are typically physical limitations / decreased physical function. Joint deformities are common with severe rheumatoid arthritis -- and there can be…
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Fast Facts
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an inflammatory type of arthritis which can lead to joint pain, joint deformity, and disability.
10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans and three times as many women as men. There are important facts you should know about rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity. A combination of diagnostic tests, physical examination, and x-ray evidence confirms the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Experts believe rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by a malfunction in the immune system. The cause of the malfunction is unknown. How much do you know about rheumatoid arthritis?
How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, see a doctor.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Explained With Pictures
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis which affects the joints and may affect other parts of the body. Photos help explain rheumatoid arthritis.
Guide To Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. Learn more with our five-part guide to the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
Various aspects of rheumatoid arthritis make it different from other kinds of arthritis. Better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis will enhance your ability to manage the condition. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis in our free newsletter e-course.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Osteoarthritis: Which Is It?
Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are specific symptoms and distinguishing characteristics which determine the diagnosis and course of treatment. Do you know the difference?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Lupus: Which Is It?
Two of the 100 types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. There are specific symptoms, distinguishing characteristics, as well as overlapping symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Do you know the difference?
What Are The Differences Between Psoriatic Arthritis And RA?
Distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis - How Soon Will Symptoms Worsen?
Questions about the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis typically follow diagnosis. Patients want to know how bad the disease will get, how soon symptoms will worsen, and what their future holds. Certain factors affect the rheumatoid arthritis prognosis.
Is There Advice for Patients With Long-term Rheumatoid Arthritis?
There is a lot of advice for newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients, mostly regarding early diagnosis and treatment. What advice is there for patients who have lived with the disease for 5 or 10 years and will live with it long-term?
Early, Aggressive Treatment Recommended For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can help prevent deformity and disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments - 2008 ACR Recommendations
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments include medication options that have expanded over the last decade. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released its 2008 guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis treatments -- an update of the 2002 guidelines.
Arthritis Hand Photo Gallery
Hand damage and deformity caused by arthritis can include nodules, swelling, stiffness, ulnar drift, contractures, and other problems. Photos of hands damaged by arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Deformity: Is It Inevitable?
Rheumatoid arthritis hand deformity is a common symptom of the disease. Is it Inevitable? Can it be prevented?
Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hands
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and inflammation. This pain is often experienced in the cartilage of the hands. Learn more about RA and how to treat it.
Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and inflammation. This pain is often experienced in the cartilage of the knees. Learn more about RA and how to treat it.
Does Stress Trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Stress and stressful events often precede the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. This is so common it begs the question: does stress actually trigger rheumatoid arthritis?
What Defines A Remission In Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can subside for a period of time. What defines a true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Periodontal Disease - Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients More Prone to It?
Periodontal disease affects people with rheumatoid arthritis twice as much as others without the disease. Is there a causal relationship between the two conditions -- or is poor oral hygiene to blame?
Treating Gum Disease Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Treating gum disease also serves to improve signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Dental hygiene is important so that gum disease is well-managed.
Lymphoma in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients - What Links Rheumatoid Arthritis To Lymphoma?
There is an increased risk of developing lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis patients. What causes the increased risk of lymphoma?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments Do Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Research shows no evidence to date that rheumatoid arthritis treatments, particularly the newest medications, increases the risk of breast cancer.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Does Not Increase Lung Cancer Risk
Rheumatoid arthritis does not increase the risk of lung cancer, according to new research. Previous research showed an increased risk but could not assign causality because of lack of data.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis-Osteoporosis Link
What people with rheumatoid arthritis need to know about osteoporosis. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for osteoporosis for many reasons.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Have Higher Heart Disease Risk
Mayo Clinic researchers indicate rheumatoid arthritis patients have higher risk of coronary heart disease, silent unrecognized heart attacks, and sudden cardiac deaths.
What Is Rheumatoid Lung Disease?
Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.
POLL: Rheumatoid Factor - Are You Seronegative Or Seropositive?
80% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor (seropositive). What was your result?
What is Rheumatoid Factor?
Explanation of the significance of rheumatoid factor.
What Is The Significance Of A Positive Rheumatoid Factor?
When told that they have a positive rheumatoid factor, patients often assume they have developed rheumatoid arthritis. Is that the case?
What Is A Rheumatoid Nodule?
As part of the rheumatoid process, firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. See what they look like.
Explore Rheumatoid Arthritis / Joint Conditions
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis / Joint Conditions
  4. Types of Arthritis
  5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.