AWARENESS HUB

Disease Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium), leading to inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness. If not treated early, RA can cause joint damage, disability, and may also affect organs like lungs, eyes, and heart.

Signs & Symptoms

RA often affects more than one joint, and symptoms may occur in flares and remission. Common symptoms include:

joint_pain

Joint pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness.

morning_stiffnes

Morning stiffness lasting >30 minutes.

affects_hand

Often affects hands, wrists, feet and is usually symmetrical.

fatigue

Fatigue, low energy; sometimes low-grade fever.

grip_strength

Reduced grip strength and difficulty with daily tasks.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but risk increases with:

causes

Genetics/family history.

causes

Mostly seen in Women.

causes

Smoking.

causes

Obesity.

causes

Middle age (can occur at any age).

Disease Overview

RA diagnosis is usually made by a rheumatologist using:

  • Clinical assessment + joint exam.
  • Blood tests: Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti-CCP.
  • Inflammation markers: ESR/CRP.
  • Imaging: X-ray / ultrasound / MRI to assess inflammation or joint damage.

Treatment (DMARD-based approach)

  • RA management works best with doctor-guided treatment + daily self-care to reduce flares and protect joints.

Treatment

  • Most patients are treated with DMARD medicines (disease-modifying drugs) because they help control inflammation and slow joint damage. Methotrexate is commonly used as a first-line DMARD, based on rheumatologist evaluation.

Lifestyle tips

  • Move daily: low-impact exercise like walking, cycling, swimming helps reduce stiffness and improves function.
  • Maintain healthy weight: reduces strain on joints and supports symptom control.
  • Quit smoking: smoking worsens RA outcomes and is a known risk factor.
  • Heat & cold packs: heat helps stiffness; cold helps swelling and pain.
  • Track symptoms: maintain a flare diary (pain score, stiffness duration, swelling) for check-ups.

Disclaimer

Prescription-only medicine. Take JAKURA. Only if prescribed by your doctor. This website provides general information and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.