Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA - Diagnosis - Symptoms - Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory type of arthritis. These 10 facts will help you understand the disease.

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...

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.

People experiencing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness are advised to see a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosing and treating early rheumatoid arthritis offers the best chance to slow disease progression.

The ACR has issued updated recommendations for the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

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.

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?

What is the definition of a remission? ACR and EULAR have created two new rheumatoid arthritis remission definitions.

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 is an inflammatory type of arthritis which affects the joints and may affect other parts of the body. Photos help explain rheumatoid arthritis.

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.

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?

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?

Distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

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.

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 treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can help prevent deformity and disability.

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.

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 a common symptom of the disease. Is it Inevitable? Can it be prevented?

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.

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.

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?

An arthritis remission is when clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis subside for a period of time.

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 also serves to improve signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Dental hygiene is important so that gum disease is well-managed.

There is an increased risk of developing lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis patients. What causes the increased risk of lymphoma?

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 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.

What people with rheumatoid arthritis need to know about osteoporosis. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for osteoporosis for many reasons.

Mayo Clinic researchers indicate rheumatoid arthritis patients have higher risk of coronary heart disease, silent unrecognized heart attacks, and sudden cardiac deaths.

Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.

80% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor (seropositive). What was your result?

About 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor. The other 20% have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

When told that they have a positive rheumatoid factor, patients often assume they have developed rheumatoid arthritis. Is that the case?

As part of the rheumatoid process, firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. See what they look like.