Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Basics
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. This condition often affects the small joints in the hands, wrists, and knees, but it can also impact other parts of the body. RA is characterized by periods of disease flare-ups and remission. While there's no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent joint damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis News
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Are Hand Cramps a Symptom?
Muscle spasms in hands are common for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Get tips for prevention and easing hand...
By?Donna Fennessy5 Things a Rheumatologist Wants You to Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Among people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, important questions arise about causes, symptoms, and ...
By?Christina VogtRheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis Joint Pain
Understand the differences between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), two common forms of arthritis...
By?Beth Levine5 Warning Signs That Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Getting Worse
RA symptoms like joint pain can grow more severe over time. Learn more about the progression of RA, what to discuss...
By?Cathy GarrardAre Swollen Glands a Symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Learn about the role of lymph nodes in your body, why they swell, the likely causes, and how it might relate to...
By?Jane BianchiCauses, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Rheumatoid Awareness Day Is February 2
To raise rheumatoid arthritis (RA) awareness, Rheumatoid Awareness Day, or RA Day, was started by RA warrior Kelly...
By?Cathy GarrardThe Science Behind Stress and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
A look at how the body’s response to stress affects rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Learn how stress worsens RA...
By?Meryl Davids LandauWhy You Need a Flu Shot When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
An annual flu vaccine can do a lot to protect people with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Learn...
By?Carol Eustice8 Ways to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint Damage
Rheumatoid arthritis can leave joints feeling painful and stiff. Find out how exercise, a healthy diet, and other...
By?Diana RodriguezAbortion Bans Trigger Methotrexate Crisis for Some Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Methotrexate treats rheumatoid arthritis, but it can also end a pregnancy. In anti-abortion states, some women...
By?Beth LevineTreatments and Complications
What to Expect When You’re Starting an IL-6 Inhibitor to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Learn how to prepare to add an IL-6 inhibitor to treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, including tests you'll need...
By?Maria MastersTherapy Putty for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Everything You Need to Know
In addition to RA drugs, hand and finger exercises can prevent joint deterioration and damage. Learn about occupational...
By?Meryl Davids LandauShould You Try Cryotherapy to Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Little data supports cryotherapy for improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain and inflammation. Learn...
By?Meryl Davids LandauCan Cinnamon Help to Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Regular cinnamon consumption may lower RA disease activity and symptoms, studies show. Learn how experts recommend...
By?Beth LevineRheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment With Splints and Braces
Rest for joints is a key aspect of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Learn how wearing joint braces or splints can...
By?Beth LevineDiet and Nutrition
Is a Gluten-Free Diet Helpful for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Some reports suggest a gluten-free diet may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but more evidence is needed...
By?Carol Eustice6 Drinks That Don’t Mix With Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds
Rheumatoid arthritis medications may interact with common beverages such as grapefruit juice, milk, and alcohol...
By?Cathy Garrard14 Herbs and Spices for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom Relief
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of inflammation. As part of a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, these culinary...
By?Chris Iliades, MDCan Drinking Tea Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
A look at green tea, rose hip tea, and other teas touted to help treat pain and other rheumatoid arthritis (RA...
By?Cathy Garrard9 Foods to Add to Your Diet to Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis
Incorporating certain foods in your diet may help reduce inflammation and help ease the joint pain and stiffness...
By?Beth W. OrensteinExercising With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fitness Balls for Rheumatoid Arthritis–Friendly Workouts: What to Know
Most people with rheumatoid arthritis need to improve stability, balance, and core strength. An exercise ball ...
By?Meryl Davids LandauHow Exercise Can Help You Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis
Learn how physical activity can reduce joint pain, improve strength, flexibility, mood, and overall well-being...
By?Carol EusticeBest and Worst Exercise Trends for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Exercises like plyometrics or Spinning are popular, but are they safe exercises when you have rheumatoid arthritis...
By?Beth Biggee, MDHow to Exercise With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Exercise can help to control joint pain and other RA symptoms, but people with rheumatoid arthritis need to exercise...
By?Diana RodriguezThis Breathing Exercise May Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Symptoms
This breathing style may help ease rheumatoid arthritis-related symptoms. Learn how coherent breathing (resonant...
By?Meryl Davids LandauLiving With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Planning Ahead or Being Spontaneous: Which Approach Works Better for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Discover how to manage life with rheumatoid arthritis, balancing the unpredictability of RA with the need for ...
By?Carol EusticeHow to Choose a Rheumatologist
Rheumatologists are specialists who treat rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, but it can be a challenge...
By?Cathy Garrard7 Rheumatoid Arthritis-Friendly Hobbies
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like joint pain and stiffness don’t have to keep you from doing the things you love...
By?Beth W. OrensteinThe Best Ways to Reduce Stress When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress can trigger rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Get to the source of stress to ease RA symptoms and...
By?Meryl Davids LandauRheumatoid Arthritis: Can You Ease Other People’s Pain?
Rheumatoid arthritis impacts family and friends as well as the person diagnosed with RA. Caregivers can offer ...
By?Meryl Davids Landau