Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

The article explains rheumatoid arthritis as a chronic autoimmune disease that commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and feet, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, flares, and possible remission periods. It describes possible causes and risk factors, how RA differs from osteoarthritis, and the importance of early diagnosis through clinical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging. It also outlines treatment and management options, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, biologics, JAK inhibitors, therapy, surgery, and self-care strategies.

Summary generated July 30, 2026. AI summaries can make mistakes.