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.

Learn more about disease activity »

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.

Still experiencing RA symptoms despite being on medication? It may be time to ask your rheumatologist to consider your treatment options.

Take the RAPID3 Survey

Transcript

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:

Inflammation Icon Inflammation Icon Inflammation Icon

Flares followed by periods of lower disease activity

Sore Muscle Icon Sore Muscle Icon Sore Muscle Icon

Weak and aching muscles

Thermometer Icon Thermometer Icon Thermometer Icon

Low-grade fevers

Loss of Appetite Icon Loss of Appetite Icon Loss of Appetite Icon

Loss of appetite

Nodules Under Skin Icon Nodules Under Skin Icon Nodules Under Skin Icon

Small lumps (rheumatoid nodules) under the skin

abo

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

Take My RA Check-In

 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 »

Rheumatoid arthritis fact Rheumatoid arthritis fact Rheumatoid arthritis fact

Joint damage can start within
1 year of having RA

Woman Squeezing a Sponge to Wash a Car Woman Squeezing a Sponge to Wash a Car Woman Squeezing a Sponge to Wash a Car

 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.

Take My RA Check-In

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.

Joint damage starts fast, but your rheumatologist can help.

Work with your rheumatologist to find the right treatment plan for you—one that can help prevent further joint damage.

Find out how

Next Page

RA Symptoms & Disease Activity »