Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. It occurs when your immune system, the system that protects your body from outside harm, mistakenly starts attacking healthy tissue.

This causes inflammation that leads to swelling in the joints, making them progressively less and less mobile. If not managed properly, over time, RA can cause joint damage—and can even result in permanent joint destruction. And keep you from doing the things you love.

Who's at risk for RA?

The onset of RA occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, though it can occur at virtually any age. It affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, of which about 70% are women.

Joint damage can start early.

Researchers studying RA now believe that it begins to damage bones during the first year, or two, that a person has the disease.

In addition, a study has found that more than 50% of patients with RA had joint damage on X-ray 2 years after disease symptoms began.

This is why early diagnosis is very important—so you and your rheumatologist can determine the best RA management plan for you.

Take action now and sign up for your free Personal Joint Profile.