Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of arthritis that is a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes pain, swelling, decreased flexibility, stiffness and inflammation, primarily in the lining of joints (synovium) (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Mayo Clinic, 2025)((Henderson, 2023). Joints that are typically affected include:
- joints in hands and fingers
- knees
- ankles
- feet
- toes (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Henderson, 2023)
Both sides of the body are usually affected. Other parts of the body can also be affected, including:
- eyes
- heart
- lungs
- skin (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Mayo Clinic, 2025)(Henderson, 2023)(Arthritis Foundation, 2021).
With Rheumatoid Arthritis being an autoimmune condition, the immune system within the body attacks the joints and organs. This immunological attack causes the joint pain, swelling, changes in flexibility, and stiffness (American College of Rheumatology, 2026). Currently, there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, therefore, diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis as early as possible can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent joint damage and/or disability.
There are two types of Rheumatoid Arthritis, seropositive and seronegative.
- Seropositive: Two types of antibodies are present in the blood, anti-cyclic citullinated peptides (anti-CCPs) and rheumatoid factor (RF). These antibodies cause the symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. One or both can be present in the blood and may be seen in blood tests as soon as five to ten years before the symptoms are present.
- Seronegative: anti-CCPs and RF are not present. Diagnosis is made through other means (Henderson, 2023)
There are several symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are periods of time where the symptoms are increased and more active. This is referred to as a flare. Periods of time will follow flares with decreased symptoms. These periods are referred to as remission. Symptoms include:
- joint pain
- joint swelling
- joint stiffness
- joint tenderness
- body stiffness - particularly in morning or after sitting
- fatigue
- weakness
- fever
- poor appetite
- rheumatoid nodules - firm lumps beneath skin (elbows and hands)
- anemia
- neck pain
- dry eyes
- dry mouth (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Mayo Clinic, 2025)(Henderson, 2023)
There are four stages that define the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Stage 1: The earliest stage with joint inflammation characterized by joint pain and stiffness.
- Stage 2: Inflammation causes cartilage damage in this stage. Is characterized by joint stiffness and decreased range of motion.
- Stage 3: Severe inflammation causing bone damage. Characterized by more joint pain and stiffness and decreased range of motion. Physical changes may appear.
- Stage 4: inflammation does not increase but is characterized by severe pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Several risk factors increase the possibility of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis. They include:
- Gender - women are at increased risk
- Age - most often begins in middle age. Referred to as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis when diagnosed in children.
- Family History - having a family member with Rheumatoid Arthritis or another autoimmune condition increases risk.
- Smoking - increases risk
- Periodontal disease - damages soft tissue in mouth and raises risk.
- Excess weight - increases risk.
- Genetics - variations in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene increases risk.(Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Mayo Clinic, 2025)
Several tests/exams can be performed in order to daignose Rheumatoid Arthritis, including:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests:
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) - indicates inflammation level
- C-Reactive Protien (CRP) - indicates inflammation level
- RF antibodies level
- anti - CCP antibodies level
- Imaging tests - Shows joint damage and inflammation
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Ultrasound (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Mayo Clinic, 2025)
Treatments are available for Rheumatoid Arthritis. If treatment is delayed, joint damage occurs. Treatments include:
- Medications
- NSAIDs - relieves pain and swelling
- steroids - eases inflammation and pain, slows joint damage
- Conventional Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) - slows progression of disease
- Biologic response modifiers - slows joint damage. Works best when used with conventional DMARDs.
- Surgery - knee or hip replacements may restore function and decreases pain.
- Healthy diet
- Activity
- Hot and cold treatments
- Stress Management (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)(Mayo Clinic, 2025)(Arthritis Foundation, 2021)
There are complications that can result from Rheumatoid Arthritis. These include:
- Osteoarthritis - both Rheumatoid Arthritis and medications used to treat can increase risk.
- Rhematoid nodules
- Dry eyes and mouth - Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause Secondary Sjogren's Sundrome which lowers moisture in eyes and mouth.
- Infections - Rheumatoid Arthritis and medications can harm immune system
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Rheumatoid Arthritis affects wrists causing swelling that can press on nerves.
- Heart problems - Rheumatoid Arthritis can contribute to hardened or blocked arteries.
- Lung disease - Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause inflammation and scarring in lungs leading to shortness of breath.
- Lymphoma (Mayo Clinic, 2025)
American Colloge of Rheumatology. (2026) Rheumatoid Arthritis. American College of Rheumatology. Retrieved from https://rheumatology.org/patients/rheumatoid-arthritis
Arthritis Foundation. (2021) Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis
Cleveland Clinic. (2024) Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis#overview
Henderson, J. (2023) Rheumatoid Arthritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. BlackDoctor.org. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis#overview
Mayo Clinic. (2025) Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648
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