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Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing joint pain

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune condition affecting more than 1.5 million Americans.

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease where your body’s defense system attacks your own joints. This can hurt your hands, wrists, and knees, making them sore and hard to move. Early treatment prevents joint damage, reduces pain, and keeps you active longer.
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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

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Recognizing what rheumatoid arthritis feels like

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When you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a part of your joints called the synovium gets swollen and irritated. This can make your joints hurt and feel stiff, especially when you move.
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Sometimes, the symptoms get worse for a while (called a flare), and then they get better or even go away for a bit (called remission). Common other symptoms include:
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  • Pain in more than one joint
  • Tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in joints
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Weakness
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Experiencing symptoms? See a doctor.

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If you don't have a doctor, the Arthritis Foundation has a Find a Doctor tool that connects people living with arthritis to trusted healthcare providers.
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https://www.arthritis.org/find-a-doctor
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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RISK FACTORS

Certain factors can put you at a higher risk

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The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but there are some risk factors that increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. If you don't fall into any of these categories but are experiencing symptoms, talk to a doctor. There may be additional risk factors.
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Family history: if a family member has rheumatoid arthritis

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Smoking: can increase your risk

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Genetics: certain genes linked to the immune system may raise your risk

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Environmental triggers: exposure to certain virus/bacteria, secondhand smoke, pollution, chemicals, mineral oils, and silica

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DIAGNOSING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
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Catching rheumatoid arthritis early matters

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Finding RA early can help stop it from getting worse and protect your joints from damage. If you have joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that doesn’t go away, talk to your doctor. They might send you to a special doctor called a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are experts who treat arthritis and joint problems. Getting help early can make a difference in how you feel and move every day.
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STEP 1
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Talk with your doctor

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Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, ask about your health and family history, and do a physical exam.
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STEP 2
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Additional tests, if needed

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To get to a diagnosis, your doctor may order x-rays or other lab tests
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STEP 3
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See a rheumatologist

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Your primary doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other conditions that impact bones, muscles, and joints.
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TREATMENT AND TRIALS

Living well with rheumatoid arthritis

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Taking care of your health can help you feel better and protect your joints. RA can be managed with the right mix of treatment, healthy habits, and support.
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Managing a healthy lifestyle
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  • Stay active and keep a healthy weight
  • Avoid joint injuries and repetitive movements
  • Don’t smoke—it can make RA worse
  • Eat foods with antioxidants (like berries and leafy greens) to help reduce inflammation and boost energy

There are more resources in the well-being library

Visit the well-being library

Need help with nutrition?
Connect with a registered dietitian for support.

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Medical treatment options
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There are different types of RA treatments. Your doctor will help you find what works best for you.

Common options include:

  • DMARDs – These medicines may slow down RA and protect your joints
  • Biologics – If DMARDs don’t help enough, biologics may block parts of your immune system to reduce symptoms and joint damage

Lilly also offers an FDA-approved treatment for RA.

Learn more about a Lilly medicine

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WELL-BEING

Health is more than a prescription

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Taking your medicine is important and so is taking care of your overall health. That's why Lilly's well-being library has science-backed resources on sleep, food, movement, connection, and stress management for those living with an autoimmune condition.
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All Pillars
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