What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes discomfort, swelling and stiffness in the lining of your joints. It most often affects joints in your fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, feet and toes. Unlike other types of arthritis, RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body.
An autoimmune condition happens when the immune system, which normally protects the body, becomes confused and starts attacking healthy tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, this happens when the immune system causes inflammation in the joints.
You can manage RA effectively if it is diagnosed early. However, if left untreated, the condition causes serious side effects, such as joint deformities and disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:
- Pain, aching or stiffness in more than one joint
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Early RA often affects smaller joints, like those in the fingers and toes. As the condition progresses, it may spread to larger joints, including the wrists, knees and shoulders. Symptoms usually affect both sides of the body equally.
About 40% of people with RA may also experience symptoms beyond the joints, affecting areas such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, salivary glands, nerve tissue and blood vessels.
The symptoms of RA can vary in how severe they are and may come and go. There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, followed by periods of improvement, called remission, when discomfort and swelling may lessen or go away. If left untreated, RA can cause joints to change shape or shift over time.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience joint pain or other symptoms that last three or more days. You should also see a doctor if you develop joint pain multiple times a month.
RA can cause permanent joint damage. An early diagnosis allows you to receive treatment for the condition before long-term damage occurs, and can offer relief from symptoms.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues within the joint. Doctors do not know what causes it. Some people are thought to be genetically predisposed to the condition. But environmental triggers, such as chemicals or infections, may cause the immune system to react improperly.
With RA, the immune system releases cells that attack the synovium, a tissue within the joint that produces fluid to ease movement. The cells cause the synovium to become inflamed, which causes pain and other symptoms in your joints. Over time, the synovium becomes thicker and begins damaging surrounding bone and cartilage, which causes the joint to stretch. This stretching causes weakness and instability in the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the joint, which, in turn, may lead to joint deformity, permanent stiffness and other long-term joint damage.
RA risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Age
RA can occur at any age, but it commonly develops in mid-life, usually after age 30.
Family history
You may be more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis if a close relative also has the condition.
Genetics
Researchers have identified gene mutations associated with immune system function that may increase your risk of developing RA.
Infections
Bacterial infections, such as periodontitis, and viral infections may increase the risk of developing RA.
Obesity
Excess weight may make you more prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis and interfere with the effectiveness of treatments.
Sex
Women are more than twice as likely to develop RA than men and people assigned male at birth.
Smoking
Smoking causes inflammation and other damage throughout the body that has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing RA than people who don’t smoke.
Possible complications
Seeking help for symptoms of RA allows your doctor to diagnose and treat it early. Although the condition cannot be cured, treatments can prevent it from getting worse and causing other conditions, such as:
- Anemia: RA can lower your red blood cell count, a condition known as anemia.
- Cardiovascular disease: People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions like heart attack and stroke, though the exact reason for this increased risk is unclear.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome, common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, occurs due to compression of the median nerve and causes symptoms like aching, numbness and tingling in the hand.
- Widespread inflammation: Rheumatoid arthritis can cause widespread inflammation in the body, affecting the lungs (leading to chest pain and shortness of breath), heart (causing pericarditis and chest pain), eyes (causing pain or dryness), and blood vessels (leading to vasculitis, which can restrict blood flow and be life-threatening).
- Osteoporosis: Rheumatoid arthritis and some of its treatments can affect bone mass, making you more prone to osteoporosis.
- Permanent joint damage: If rheumatoid arthritis isn't treated early or controlled, joint inflammation can cause permanent damage, including harm to bones, cartilage, tendons (which may rupture) and joint deformities.
- Rheumatoid nodules: Rheumatoid arthritis may cause small bumps to form under the skin.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis usually includes a physical exam, imaging tests and blood tests. If RA is in very early stages when you see your doctor, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may be mild and not clearly linked to the condition.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and whether other family members have been living with rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will also ask for details about your symptoms, such as where they occur and how long you’ve had them. They’ll check your joints for limited range of motion, swelling, redness and tenderness, and they may look for other symptoms, such as a fever or rheumatoid nodules.
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Blood tests
No single blood test can confirm rheumatoid arthritis, but several tests can suggest the condition.
Some of the main blood tests used include:
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Measures how quickly red blood cells settle, with faster rates indicating inflammation.
- C-reactive protein (CRP): Checks for inflammation by measuring CRP levels in the blood.
- Full blood count: Measures red blood cells, as low counts can suggest anemia, which is common in RA.
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies: High levels of rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies can suggest RA, though not everyone with RA tests positive for both.
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Imaging
In addition to blood tests, your doctor may use imaging tests to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and assess joint damage. These tests can provide detailed images of your joints and surrounding tissues. Some common imaging tests include:
- X-rays: These are used to check for changes or damage in your joints, such as bone erosion or narrowing of the joint space.
- Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves create real-time images of your joints, helping to detect inflammation or fluid buildup around the joints.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues, including the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments around the joints. This can help detect early signs of joint damage that may not be visible on X-rays.
These imaging tests, combined with your symptoms and blood work, can help your doctor better understand the extent of joint involvement and guide treatment decisions.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Although there is no cure for RA, treatment can help you manage symptoms, slow the progression of your condition and lower your chances of developing complications. Doctors from different specialties treat various aspects of rheumatoid arthritis, so you may work with a primary care provider, rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon during your treatment.
Treatment typically starts with medications, but your provider may also recommend making certain lifestyle changes and receiving physical or occupational therapy. You may need surgery if you have severe joint damage or pain that interferes with your ability to go about your daily life.
Medication
Medications help many people with RA improve their quality of life. Some medications relieve inflammation and other symptoms, while others stop or slow the condition from progressing. You will likely take more than one type of medication.
- Corticosteroid injections: Your doctor may recommend these injections to address joint pain in the short term.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs can help control pain and swelling. Many types, including ibuprofen and naproxen, are available over the counter, but your doctor can prescribe stronger NSAIDs if over-the-counter medications don’t bring adequate relief.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications help prevent your immune system from attacking your joints, preventing RA from worsening. There are many types of DMARDs, some given in pill form and some delivered by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: JAK inhibitors are a type of DMARD your doctor may recommend if your first treatment isn’t effective. These medications help prevent immune cells from causing the inflammation that causes pain and joint deterioration.
Physical and occupational therapy
Physical therapy can help improve your fitness, strength and joint flexibility. For hands or wrists, a customized exercise program may be provided, with both in-person and home exercises. Physical therapists can also use treatments like heat, ice or TENS (a small electrical pulse to numb pain) for relief.
If rheumatoid arthritis affects daily tasks, an occupational therapist can guide joint protection at home and work. They may recommend splints or assistive devices to make tasks easier, like tools to open jars or turn faucets.
Complementary therapies
Complementary treatments can be helpful in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms when used alongside your prescribed medications. However, they should never replace the treatments your doctor has prescribed. It's important to always consult with your healthcare team, particularly your rheumatology team, before trying any integrative medicine.
Some common complementary treatments that may support your RA management include:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Osteopathy
Always discuss these treatments with your doctor to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
Surgery
If medications aren't enough to prevent or slow joint damage, surgery may be an option to repair the affected joints. Surgery can help relieve pain, improve movement and restore joint function.
There are several types of surgery that may be considered for rheumatoid arthritis, including:
- Joint fusion: The most common procedure to treat RA is joint fusion, surgery to permanently connect bones. Two bones are fused into a single bone, eliminating painful movement and allowing for a more stable joint.
- Joint replacement surgery: During joint replacement, an orthopedic surgeon replaces a damaged joint with an artificial joint made of ceramic, metal or plastic. You can have a joint replacement in any joint, and the procedure helps reduce pain associated with significant damage.
- Synovectomy: This procedure involves removing the synovium. It’s typically reserved for people with early-stage rheumatoid arthritis that has damaged only the joint lining.
- Tendon surgery: RA can also affect a type of tissue called tenosynovium, a tissue that lines tunnels in the fingers, wrists, toes and ankles through which tendons travel. Damaged tenosynovium can cause tendons to fray or tear, which may require surgery.
Find a location near you
We offer several locations for your care, including specialty arthritis centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
The Laser Surgery Center, LLC
2600 W University Dr Ste 200, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Rheumatology - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 300, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 2000, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
5236 W University Dr Ste 3500, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 2000, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Terrell
200 N Virginia St , Terrell, TX, 75160
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Eldorado
2960 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 75, McKinney, TX, 75070
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Rockwall
825 W Yellowjacket Ln , Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
AccentCare Home Health Of McKinney
6800 Weiskopf Ave Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75070
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Wylie
600 Cooper Dr Ste 100, Wylie, TX, 75098
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Wylie
600 Cooper Dr Ste 130, Wylie, TX, 75098
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Rockwall
810 E Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 170, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Rockwall
1975 Alpha Dr Ste 204, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Prosper
1450 N Preston Rd Ste 40, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Terrell
512 American Wy Ste E4, E5, E6, Terrell, TX, 75160
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Lake Pointe
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 203, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Rehabilitation - Rowlett
6800 Scenic Dr Tower 1, Ste 307, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Craig Ranch
6800 State Hwy 121 , McKinney, TX, 75070
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - Frisco
15950 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Rowlett
8120 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 400, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Rowlett
7501 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 220, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Murphy
511 W FM 544 Ste 204, Murphy, TX, 75094
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Murphy
511 W FM 544 Ste 208, Murphy, TX, 75094
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Sachse
5250 State Hwy 78 Ste 850, Sachse, TX, 75048
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 310, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 310, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Frisco
525 University Dr , Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Frisco Coit
5375 Coit Rd Ste 110, Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Garland Firewheel
4430 Lavon Dr Ste 340, Garland, TX, 75040
Baylor Scott & White Geriatrics - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 307, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 301, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, medications can help stop the condition’s progression and lessen pain and stiffness so you can live an active, full life with RA.
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Is rheumatoid arthritis genetic?
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a genetic link. A family history increases your risk, with identical twins showing a 12 to 15% chance of both developing RA. Variations in HLA genes, particularly HLA-DRB1, are significant risk factors, contributing to RA's 60% heritability. However, environmental and other factors also play a role.
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Can rheumatoid arthritis cause fatigue?
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue, a common and overwhelming symptom that affects over 90% of patients. This extreme tiredness, different from normal fatigue, stems from RA-related inflammation, anemia, poor sleep and mood changes. Managing fatigue may involve exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pacing daily activities to conserve energy.
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Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your eyes?
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes in different ways. Common issues include dry eyes, often causing a gritty or watery sensation, and inflammation in the whites of the eye, leading to redness and pain. RA may also contribute to cataracts, keratitis, glaucoma or retinal problems, requiring careful management.
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Can rheumatoid arthritis cause neuropathy?
Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can cause neuropathy, affecting nerves and leading to symptoms like pain, numbness or weakness. Common types include:
- Peripheral neuropathy, often felt in the lower limbs
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, impacting the wrists
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome, affecting the feet
Other rare types include cervical myelopathy and sensorimotor neuropathy.
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What age does rheumatoid arthritis start?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can happen at any age, but it’s most common between 30 and 50. RA is often grouped by when it starts: young-onset RA (YORA) begins between ages 16 and 40, while later-onset RA (LORA) starts after age 60. Each type may have different challenges and needs.
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What triggers rheumatoid arthritis flare ups?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, including stress, infections, poor sleep, overexertion, weather changes, diet, smoking and certain foods like dairy, gluten and MSG. As an autoimmune condition, RA flares occur when the immune system mistakenly increases inflammation, causing pain, swelling and discomfort in affected joints.
How we reviewed this page
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February 06, 2025
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Medically reviewed by:
Ryan Cyril Pate, MD