Do you have rheumatoid arthritis

Scott Anderson

Advanced MSK physiotherapist

2 April 2026

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long term auto-immune condition that causes inflammation in joints in addition to wider spread symptoms throughout the body. In this article, Scott Anderson, Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapist at AXA Health, explains what rheumatoid arthritis is, common symptoms, as well as the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This causes pain and inflammation.¹ If left untreated and allowed to progress, the inflammation continues to damage the cartilage and bone, causing damage to the joints in the body and affecting how they move and function.

The key to a more positive outcome, and to limit joint degeneration, is early diagnosis and beginning treatment as early as possible – at least within the first three months. The good news is that treatments have advanced considerably in the last 10 years.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms usually start in the small joints of the hands and feet – typically the “knuckle” joints in the hand. RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body (for example both hands or both wrists). Despite often affecting the small joints of the hands and feet initially, RA can involve multiple joints throughout the body. And joints can become:

painful,
inflamed,
stiff,
or swollen.

Symptoms usually progress over a few weeks, but in some cases, they can develop quickly within a few days.

Other symptoms of RA can include:

Morning joint stiffness (lasting more than half an hour).
High temperature.
Tiredness / Fatigue / Lack of energy.
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Sweating.²

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your GP.

Distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, which means that it affects the whole body. It’s also an auto-immune condition – meaning the body’s own immune system begins to negatively impact the body.

RA often affects the smaller joints first such as the hands, feet and wrists and will usually affect joints symmetrically. Morning stiffness experienced with RA usually will last a lot longer than 30 minutes.

Osteoarthritis is essentially age-related changes to a joint. Cartilage in a joint gradually wears down over time and often affects the big weight bearing joints (knees and hips). Morning stiffness experienced with osteoarthritis usually settles to it’s normal level within 30 minutes.

How common is it?

According to the Arthritis UK, rheumatoid arthritis affects over 450,000 people in the UK³ and is often diagnosed between the ages of 40 to 60.⁴ Rheumatoid arthritis is much less common than osteoarthritis, which affects around 10 million UK adults.⁵

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Doctors aren’t certain what triggers rheumatoid arthritis. Although family history can play a role, it doesn't necessarily follow that you will develop rheumatoid arthritis if a close relative has the condition.

There are environmental factors such as:

smoking,
certain infections may trigger immune responses
and hormonal factors may contribute.

To date researchers do not know a single definite trigger for RA.

How is it diagnosed?

It can be difficult to diagnose due to other conditions also causing joint pain and inflammation, but several blood tests can help identify indications of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ultrasound and MRI can also help reveal signs of joint inflammation and damage. Blood tests, imaging and a history of symptoms are all considered when coming to a diagnosis.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These are given to ease pain and reduce inflammation and include ibuprofen and naproxen, but do not slow down the rheumatoid arthritis process.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These tablets slow down the progression of the disease and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Biological treatments: These are newer types of treatment which target several different proteins responsible for inflammation. They're usually taken in combination with methotrexate, or another DMARD, and are usually only used if DMARDs have not been effective on their own.⁶

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pain management techniques are normally first line treatment options, in addition to medication management – allowing patients to self-manage and live a comfortable life.

Down the line if symptoms are severe then injections and joint replacement surgery are other treatment options. You should consult a healthcare professional to help evaluate which treatment options are best for you.

RA and heart disease

Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It’s important to discuss with your GP about management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Following a healthy diet, exercising and stopping smoking will also reduce your risks.⁷

Self-help

Exercise: If symptoms allow, you should try to be active and exercise, to help keep the joint mobile and strengthen the muscles and tendons that move the joint.
Losing weight: If you’re overweight, losing weight can relieve pressure on weight-bearing joints.
Keep a food diary: There’s no special diet that has proven to help in rheumatoid arthritis, but some patients notice symptoms flare up after eating certain foods. For this reason, it can be helpful to keep a food diary to see if any foods trigger your symptoms, so you then know to avoid them.
Stop smoking: For some people, stopping smoking may reduce symptoms, and you’ll also be at a lower risk of heart attack or stroke.⁸

Read more about the condition so you’re more informed and find support on National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

References