What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that inflames the synovium, the lining of the joints, eventually eroding cartilage and bone. It's two to three times more common in women, often starts between 30 and 60, and smoking is a major risk factor (Smolen et al., 2016).
How is RA different from osteoarthritis?
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Osteoarthritis | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune inflammation | Wear and tear of cartilage |
| Typical joints | Small joints of hands and wrists, both sides | Knees, hips, spine |
| Morning stiffness | Over 1 hour | Under 30 minutes |
| Blood tests | Often positive RF/anti-CCP, high CRP | Usually normal |
Doctors use the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, which score joint involvement, antibodies, inflammation markers and symptom duration (Aletaha et al., 2010). See also osteoarthritis.
How is RA treated?
Disease-modifying drugs, usually methotrexate, are started as soon as possible. If that's not enough, biologics such as TNF inhibitors or JAK inhibitors are added, aiming for remission (a "treat-to-target" approach).
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Is RA hereditary?
- Genes raise the risk, but RA isn't directly inherited; environmental triggers like smoking matter too.
- Is exercise safe with RA?
- Yes. Low-impact activity like walking and swimming helps maintain joint function once inflammation is controlled.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- Aletaha, D., Neogi, T., Silman, A. J., et al. (2010). 2010 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 62(9), 2569–2581.
- Smolen, J. S., Aletaha, D., & McInnes, I. B. (2016). Rheumatoid arthritis. The Lancet, 388(10055), 2023–2038.