In short
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling and morning stiffness — usually in the same joints on both sides of the body. There is no cure yet, but starting treatment early prevents joint damage, and many people reach remission.
On this page
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
RA happens when the immune system mistakenly targets the GlossarySynovitisInflammation of the joint lining (synovium) — often seen on ultrasound or MRI early in RA.All terms A–Z, the thin lining inside your joints. Left untreated, the inflammation slowly damages the joint and can affect the heart, lungs and other organs.
It is not the same as osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear. RA can start at any age, and it affects everyone differently.
What are the symptoms of RA?
- Joint pain and swelling Most often in the hands, wrists and feet.
- Morning stiffness Lasting more than 30 minutes, easing as you move.
- Both sides affected Matching joints — both wrists rather than one.
- Fatigue Tiredness driven by inflammation and broken sleep.
- Rheumatoid nodules Firm, painless lumps near the elbows, hands or feet.
- Feeling unwell Some people have a low fever or lose weight.
How is RA diagnosed?
No single test confirms RA. Your rheumatologist puts several findings together:
- Examination Each joint is checked for tenderness, swelling and stiffness.
- Blood tests GlossaryRheumatoid Factor (RF)An antibody often found in people with RA. It also turns up in some people without RA, so it is always read alongside other tests.All terms A–Z and GlossaryAnti-CCP (ACPA)An antibody that is more specific to rheumatoid arthritis than rheumatoid factor, so it helps confirm the diagnosis.All terms A–Z, plus GlossaryESR / CRPBlood tests that measure inflammation in the body. Useful for tracking disease activity, but they do not point to any one condition.All terms A–Z and CRP to measure inflammation.
- Imaging Ultrasound and MRI find inflammation before X-rays can; X-rays show any damage.
- Joint fluid test Occasionally, to rule out infection or gout.
How is RA treated?
The aim is to switch the inflammation off, not just ease the pain — and treatment works best when it starts early.
- GlossaryDMARDsDisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: medicines that calm the disease process itself, not just the symptoms. Methotrexate is the best known.All terms A–Z Medicines such as methotrexate that calm the immune system. Usually the first treatment.
- GlossaryBiologicsTargeted medicines that block one specific part of the immune response driving inflammation.All terms A–Z Targeted medicines for RA that DMARDs alone do not control.
- Anti-inflammatories and short steroid courses Settle pain and flares while DMARDs take effect.
- Physiotherapy Keeps joints moving, strong and useful day to day.
What is the outlook?
- With early, steady treatment, many people reach remission or low disease activity and stay active.
- Flares can still happen — your plan is adjusted when they do.
- Staying on treatment also lowers longer-term risks such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
At a glance
Read the text of this sheet
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. A healthy joint has smooth cartilage, a normal joint space and a healthy lining (synovium). A joint with rheumatoid arthritis has an inflamed synovium, thickened tissue called pannus, and damage to cartilage and bone. The main symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Questions patients ask
Is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary?
Partly. Genes raise the risk, and a close relative with RA modestly increases yours, but it is not passed down directly. Smoking and infections also play a part. RA is not contagious.
Is there a cure for RA?
Not yet. RA is lifelong, but many people reach remission — few or no symptoms for long periods — with early, consistent treatment.
Can I exercise with RA?
Yes, and you should. Walking, swimming and gentle strength training keep joints mobile without overloading them. Try the hand exercises in this guide.
Does diet help rheumatoid arthritis?
No diet cures RA, but a Mediterranean-style diet — vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy fats — may ease symptoms for some people. Check big changes with your care team.
Can I have a healthy pregnancy with RA?
Yes, most people can. Symptoms often improve during pregnancy and may flare afterwards. Some medicines must be changed first, so plan ahead with your rheumatologist.
Words worth knowing
Full glossary- Anti-CCP (ACPA)
- An antibody that is more specific to rheumatoid arthritis than rheumatoid factor, so it helps confirm the diagnosis.
- Biologics
- Targeted medicines that block one specific part of the immune response driving inflammation.
- DMARDs
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: medicines that calm the disease process itself, not just the symptoms. Methotrexate is the best known.
- ESR / CRP
- Blood tests that measure inflammation in the body. Useful for tracking disease activity, but they do not point to any one condition.
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- An antibody often found in people with RA. It also turns up in some people without RA, so it is always read alongside other tests.
- Synovitis
- Inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) — often seen on ultrasound or MRI early in RA.
This page is intended for general patient education and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your rheumatologist about your specific symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Last updated 3 October 2026.
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