Updated April 2025
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex condition that can raise a lot of questions, and you’re not the only one asking them. At Care New England Medical Group, our Rheumatology specialists hear certain questions again and again. So, we’ve put together a list of the top five FAQs to help you better understand what RA is, what causes it, how it feels, and how it's treated.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply curious, this quick guide will give you expert-backed insights in plain, simple language.
1. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause damage to different body systems, including (but not limited to):
- Joints
- Blood vessels
- Skin, eyes
- Lungs
- Heart
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means it is the result of your immune system mistakenly attacking your body's tissues. This causes damage to the lining of your joints and creates a painful swelling that can also cause joint deformity, bone erosion, and damage to other systems in your body.
Medications and treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis are improving every day, but there is still a risk of severe cases leading to physical disabilities.
2. Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary?
Rheumatoid arthritis can run in families, but it’s not entirely understood why. What we do know is that genetics play a role – people with certain genetic markers are more likely to develop the disease. Like many autoimmune conditions, RA has a genetic component, so if it’s in your family, your risk may be a bit higher.
3. What are the Main Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Doctors still don’t know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but it’s likely linked to genetics. While there’s no single trigger, there are a few known risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disease. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop RA than men.
- Age: RA can show up at any age, but it most often begins in middle adulthood.
- Family History: As mentioned, RA tends to run in families, so having a relative with the condition may raise your risk.
- Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor and can also make the disease more severe.
- Excess Weight: Being overweight can slightly increase your chances of getting RA, and it may also make symptoms worse.
4. What are common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
The most common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:
- Tender or swollen joints
- Fatigue
- Fever or a loss of appetite
- Joint stiffness, which tends to be worse either in the morning or after long bouts of inactivity
Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts off by affecting the smaller joints – like the ones in your fingers and toes. Over time, it can spread to larger joints such as your wrists, knees, elbows, ankles, hips, and shoulders. One common sign is that it tends to affect the same joints on both sides of your body.
RA symptoms can come and go, with flare-ups followed by periods of remission where things feel more manageable. The severity varies from person to person, and about 40% of people with RA experience symptoms in other parts of the body too, not just the joints. As the disease progresses, it can cause joints to become deformed or even shift out of place, making early treatment important.
5. How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?
There’s currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early treatment can make a big difference. Medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often the first line of defense and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Your doctor might also recommend working with a physical or occupational therapist to learn exercises that keep your joints flexible and functioning. In more severe cases, where medication and therapy aren’t enough, surgery may be considered to repair damaged joints. The goal of surgery is to improve joint function and help reduce pain.
To learn more about diagnosing, managing, and treating rheumatoid arthritis, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical treatment.
