They believe these individuals may have certain genes that are activated by a trigger in the environment, such as a virus or bacteria, physical or emotional stress or some other external factor. In the early stages, people with RA may not see redness or swelling in the joints, but they may experience tenderness and pain.
These symptoms are clues to RA:. Many people with RA get very tired fatigue and some may have a low-grade fever. RA symptoms may come and go. Having a lot of inflammation and other symptoms is called a flare.
A flare can last for days or months. Getting an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible is the first step to treating RA effectively. A doctor with specialized training in treating arthritis called a rheumatologist is the best person to make a correct diagnosis, using medical history, a physical examination and lab tests. Medical history. The doctor will ask about joint symptoms pain, tenderness, stiffness, difficulty moving , when they started, if they come and go, how severe they are, what actions make them better or worse and whether family members have RA or another autoimmune disease.
Physical examination. The doctor will look for joint tenderness, swelling, warmth and painful or limited movement, bumps under the skin or a low-grade fever. Blood tests. The blood tests look for inflammation and blood proteins antibodies that are linked to RA:.
Imaging tests. RA can cause the ends of the bones within a joint to wear down erosions. An X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI magnetic resonance imaging scan can look for erosions. Imaging results can also show how well treatment is working. Search arthritis.
Working with your doctor to ensure you get appropriate medical treatment is essential, but you can also take measures on your own to manage your RA and ease pain and fatigue. Diet, exercise, smoking cessation and mental health are all key to good health overall and controlling RA. Get help setting health goals and managing pain with the free Vim app.
Healthy Eating. A balanced, nutritious diet consisting of the recommended amounts of all the food groups helps promote wellness and makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Daily movement. Use the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Park in a spot that makes you walk a bit to enter a building. Take the longer way to a meeting in your office. Balancing activity with rest. It's important to try to stay physically active even during a flare, but rest is also especially important when RA is active and joints feel painful, swollen or stiff.
Rest helps reduce inflammation and fatigue that can come with a flare. Taking breaks throughout the day protects joints and preserves energy. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling and deformity. More Information Rheumatoid arthritis: Does pregnancy affect symptoms?
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Is depression a factor in rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the eyes? Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the lungs? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Rheumatoid arthritis. Accessed Feb. Rheumatoid arthritis. American College of Rheumatology.
Matteson EL, et al. Overview of the systemic and nonarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Elsevier; Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Diagnosis and effective treatments, particularly treatment to suppress or control inflammation, can help reduce the damaging effects of RA. A doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of RA patients should diagnose and treat RA.
This is especially important because the signs and symptoms of RA are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other inflammatory joint diseases. Doctors who specialize in arthritis are called rheumatologists, and they can make the correct diagnosis. To find a provider near you, visit the database of rheumatologists external icon on the American College of Rheumatology ACR website.
RA can be effectively treated and managed with medication s and self-management strategies. Treatment for RA usually includes the use of medications that slow disease and prevent joint deformity, called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs DMARDs ; biological response modifiers biologicals are medications that are an effective second-line treatment. In addition to medications, people can manage their RA with self-management strategies proven to reduce pain and disability, allowing them to pursue the activities important to them.
People with RA can relieve pain and improve joint function by learning to use five simple and effective arthritis management strategies. It's not clear what triggers this problem with the immune system, although you're at an increased risk if:. Find out more about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. There's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis.
However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment enables many people with the condition to have periods of months or even years between flares. This can help them to lead full lives and continue regular employment. Find out more about treating rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on how much pain, stiffness or joint damage you have, daily tasks may become difficult or take you longer to do.
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