RA IS MORE THAN
JUST JOINT PAIN
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition where your overactive immune system causes inflammation that attacks your joints. Common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include joint pain, joint swelling and stiffness, and fatigue. Other RA symptoms can include warm joints, joint deformity, and joint tenderness.
RA is an autoimmune disease, and the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. Around 1.5 million people in the US have RA, and nearly 3 times as many women have the disease as men. In women, RA can commonly begin between ages 30 and 60, but with men, it often occurs later.
Hear people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) discuss its impact on everyday life.
RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can impact the entire body.
The most common joints affected by RA are hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Joint symptoms are often experienced symmetrically—so if your left knee is affected, your right one usually is too.
Inflammation can also impact more than just joints.
Some people have problems in the eyes, lungs, and heart. People with RA have a 48% increased risk of heart disease compared to the general public. Not all patients progress to the same level of disease severity.
Along with fatigue and joint pain, other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include:
Flares followed by periods of lower disease activity
Weak and aching muscles
Low-grade fevers
Loss of appetite
Small lumps (rheumatoid nodules) under the skin
Did you know that experiencing RA symptoms may mean that permanent joint damage has already begun?
Did you know that experiencing RA symptoms may mean that permanent joint damage has already begun?
That’s why it’s important to tell your rheumatologist about any symptoms you’re experiencing and how they’re impacting your life. The RA Check-In can help you discuss its impact at your next appointment
RA SYMPTOMS ARE
A WARNING SIGN
If not managed properly, RA inflammation could lead to irreversible joint damage.
Rheumatologists recommend early diagnosis and treatment to prevent irreversible joint damage. If you're still experiencing RA symptoms, talk to a rheumatologist to discuss what RA treatment options are available »
Joint damage can start within
1 year of having RA
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN
RHEUMATOID
ARTHRITIS AND
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) share symptoms, but have different causes and progression. Since your treatment plan will depend on which type of arthritis you have, it’s important to see a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Find one here »
The primary difference is that RA is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation that affects the whole body, while OA just affects the joints.
It’s important to partner with a rheumatologist.
It’s important to partner with a rheumatologist.
Partnering with a rheumatologist is the first step in creating the right RA treatment plan. Prepare for your next rheumatologist appointment with this simple questionnaire.
RA vs. OA
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Osteoarthritis (OA)
DISEASE TYPE
RA is a systemic autoimmune disease, meaning that it can impact the whole body
OA only affects the joints, and can be caused by factors such as genes, weight, injury, or overuse
SYMPTOMS
RA can also include symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite, in addition to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
OA symptoms can include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion
LOCATION OF SYMPTOMS
RA often affects joints symmetrically, meaning it can cause swelling in pairs of joints, particularly smaller joints (such as both hands, or both ankles)
OA may not affect both sides of the body, and can affect weight-bearing joints (such as back, hip, or knee), as well as the neck, small finger joints, and big toe
TIME OF DAY
RA is generally worse in the morning, after long periods of rest, or after lack of activity
OA tends to get worse throughout the day from activity
AGE OF ONSET
RA can occur at any age, but usually occurs between 30 and 60 years of age in women, and later in men
OA usually affects people later in life, most commonly in people over age 50 or older
PREVALENCE
RA affects approximately 1.5 million people in the US
OA affects an estimated 32.5 million people in the US
This is not a diagnostic tool. Discuss your symptoms with a rheumatologist.
