Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, rheumatoid arthritis affects over 450,000 people in the UK and most commonly develops between the ages of 40 and 60.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be incredibly difficult as it can cause pain and affect mobility, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life. But taking steps to prevent or manage symptoms as early as possible can make a significant difference.
With that said, we’ve pulled together some key information on rheumatoid arthritis – including symptoms, causes, prevention, tips for coping, and how it differs from other forms of arthritis. We hope you find it useful.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
Joint damage caused by RA usually occurs on both sides of the body. For example, if a joint in one of your arms or legs is affected by RA, the same joint in your opposite arm or leg will likely be, too.
This is one of the ways doctors distinguish between RA and other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis. These two conditions also differ in that osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing away of cartilage that caps bones in your joints, while RA is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joints.
There’s currently no cure for RA, but early diagnosis and treatment can help people manage symptoms and prevent permanent joint damage.
Inspire, the magazine for everyone living with Arthritis
Join the Inspire community from just £3 per month and receive four editions of Inspire magazine per year. Every edition is packed with in-depth articles, covering what matters most to people living with arthritis.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition characterised by joint pain and inflammation.
With RA, it’s typical for symptoms to intensify during periods known as ‘flare-ups’. Spells where symptoms improve or disappear completely are commonly referred to as periods of remission.
The wrist, hand, and knee joints are most commonly affected by RA. However, the condition can also affect organs and tissues throughout the body, including the heart, eyes, and lungs.
Some of the most common symptoms of RA include…
- Aching or pain in more than one joint
Swelling, warmth, and tenderness in more than one joint
- Stiffness in more than one joint
- Experiencing the same joint symptoms on both sides of the body
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
RA symptoms can vary from mild to severe. However, it’s always important to address them – even if they come and go. Catching them early means a better chance of managing and treating RA successfully.
What are some potential causes of rheumatoid arthritis?
As previously mentioned, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks healthy body tissues.
When someone has RA, their immune system attacks the cells that line joints, causing them to break down, divide, and become inflamed. During this process, chemicals are also released to nearby bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments, which can lead to further damage.
If RA isn’t treated, joints can lose alignment, shape, and function. Eventually, they may even be destroyed.
While the specific causes or triggers of RA are unknown, several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing RA. These include…
- Genetics – Having a close family member with RA may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition.
- Age – RA can develop at any age, but the risk increases with age. According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, the development of RA is most common in adults aged 40 to 60, or a bit older for men.
- Being female – According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, women are two to three times more likely to develop RA than men.
- Being overweight – Studies show that obesity increases the risk of RA and can exacerbate symptoms.
- Smoking – Research has drawn a link between smoking and an increased risk of RA. This is largely because smoking can cause oxidative stress and interrupt the body’s inflammatory response.
Other factors that may increase the risk of RA include stress, previous infection, diet, and gut health. You can read more about the potential causes and risk factors of RA on the NHS website.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
If you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible.
To begin with, your GP will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history before performing a physical exam to assess the health of your joints.
This may include…
- Looking for swelling or redness in the joints
- Examining joint function and range of motion
- Touching the affected joints to check for tenderness and warmth
- Testing your muscle strength and reflexes
If your GP suspects you have RA, they’ll likely refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment.
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
As we’ve mentioned, there’s currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the more positive news is that receiving early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can allow people to live normal lives for months (or even years) between flare-ups.
According to the NHS, some of the main treatment options for RA include…
- Taking medication long-term to relieve symptoms and slow the condition’s progress.
- Supportive treatments like physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help people stay mobile and explore solutions to any problems with daily tasks and activities.
- Surgery, which is sometimes used to correct joint problems that develop.
You can read more about how rheumatoid arthritis is treated on the NHS website.
6 tips for living with rheumatoid arthritis
Lifestyle habits have been shown to play a significant role in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and many people find that simple swaps can make a big difference to their quality of life.
We’ll cover ideas to consider below…
1. Try to eat a joint-friendly diet
Making healthy food choices has been shown to reduce inflammation and help manage symptoms.
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids – like salmon, tuna, nuts, and seeds – are particularly beneficial for joint health. The same is true of whole grains, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, and beans and legumes.
For example, studies have linked sufficient intake of omega-3s with reduced joint stiffness, pain, and need for medication.
If you’re unsure how to make joint-friendly foods a staple in your diet, experts recommend the Mediterranean diet for inspiration. Check out our guide to the Mediterranean diet for more information.
Alternatively, you might like to read our articles: 7 diet tips for people living with arthritis and 10 best foods for healthy joints and which to avoid.
2. Stay active and prioritise low-impact exercise
You might not feel like moving around when you have joint pain or stiffness, but, according to the Arthritis Foundation, staying active can help relieve symptoms, too.
Low-impact and strengthening exercises – such as walking, swimming, Pilates, yoga, and Tai Chi – are usually great options for people with RA. These activities are gentler on joints and can also be effective at building muscle strength – offering further joint relief.
For example, research has found yoga can help reduce joint tenderness and swelling for some people with RA. Other studies suggest that Tai Chi helps to reduce long-term pain, and Pilates takes pressure off joints by strengthening the core muscles.
Head over to our fitness and exercise section for more tips and ideas on staying active.
3. Prioritise good quality sleep
Sleep is essential for health because it allows the body to rest and recover. When it comes to RA – besides increasing the risk of flare-ups – research has found that a lack of sleep increases the risk of pain severity, depression, and difficulty carrying out daily tasks.
Other studies have found that people with RA who experience sleep problems have a lower pain threshold than those who sleep well, even when their inflammation is under control. According to experts, these findings suggest that a lack of sleep may interfere with the way the central nervous system processes pain.
However, getting enough good-quality sleep is often easier said than done for people with RA, as pain and discomfort can make falling and staying asleep difficult. As a result, it’s estimated that up to 80% of people with RA report fatigue as one of their symptoms.
If this is something you struggle with, you might like our article: 9 tips for sleeping better with arthritis.
4. Try to maintain a healthy weight
Studies have revealed a strong connection between RA and gum disease – an inflammatory condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. The evidence suggests that gum disease may cause RA to progress faster – largely because it can lead to greater bone and cartilage damage.
For example, this study found that the bacteria causing gum disease also increase the severity of RA, lead to an earlier onset of symptoms, and cause RA to progress more quickly.
For this reason, it’s important to schedule regular dental checks, brush your teeth and floss daily, and limit your intake of highly processed, sugary foods and drinks. For further tips and advice, check out our articles: 9 ways to improve oral hygiene and 8 reasons why oral hygiene is key for overall health.
If you have trouble taking care of your teeth due to stiff, painful hands, it can help to speak to your dentist or occupational therapist about making dental care easier.
Inspire, the magazine for everyone living with Arthritis
Join the Inspire community from just £3 per month and receive four editions of Inspire magazine per year. Every edition is packed with in-depth articles, covering what matters most to people living with arthritis.
5. Take steps to manage your stress levels
RA can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, including stress.
However, research has identified a clear link between stress and RA, so it’s important to do what you can to manage your worries.
For example, studies show high stress levels can affect the immune system’s inflammatory response and lead to further joint damage. Similarly, long-term stress can increase muscle tension and intensify RA pain.
For help managing your stress levels, check out our articles: 7 tips for coping with stress and anxiety and 9 simple stress-relieving activities.
6. Maintain a healthy weight
Research suggests that almost two-thirds of people with RA are overweight or obese. But carrying extra weight can heighten RA symptoms because it places extra pressure on joints.
There’s also a link between obesity and increased inflammation, which can lead to further pain. Studies show that excess fat tissue releases high amounts of cytokines (pro-inflammatory substances) throughout the body. Plus, there’s evidence that being overweight may interfere with arthritis medication.
For example, this study found that certain arthritis medications don’t work for obese people living with RA. Some experts also suggest that fat cells may attach to certain drugs, making them nonfunctional. And another study revealed that obese patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were 37% less likely to achieve remission of their arthritis than people of normal weight.
For tips on how to maintain a healthy weight, you might be interested in reading our articles: 15 quick and easy diet swaps for a healthier lifestyle and 9 tips to prevent overeating and encourage portion control.
Final thoughts…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that can be painful and difficult to live with.
However, while progress might not happen overnight, simple lifestyle changes – such as staying active and eating a nutrient-rich diet – can make all the difference.
For further health advice, head over to our general health section. Here, you’ll find articles on a variety of topics, including heart and gut health.
Do you have any experience with managing rheumatoid arthritis? Have you found this article useful? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines