Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing joint pain

Person with short gray hair sitting in a wicker chair indoors, wearing a light-colored patterned garment. Hands are clasped near the face. The background shows warm lighting and blurred furniture, including chairs and a table
Search for clinical trials
backgroundColor
none
additionalPadding
none
true
quick links
enhanced-related-link, ctaselection-link
Explore symptoms
enhanced-related-link, ctaselection-link
Learn about risk factors
enhanced-related-link, ctaselection-link
Understand diagnosis
style
background-primary-red
additionalPadding
none
style
background-primary-red
Rheumatoid arthritis icon

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune condition affecting over 350,000 Canadians.

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.
style
background-primary-red, two-col-50-50
extra-styles
offset
style
background-primary-red
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

Recognizing what rheumatoid arthritis feels like

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.
Person wearing a dark blue hoodie with white drawstrings and a green knit beanie, sitting in front of a textured beige door with sunlight casting shadows

Sometimes, the symptoms get worse for a while (called a flare), and then they get better or even go away for some time (called remission). Common other symptoms include:

  • Pain in more than one joint
  • Tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in joints
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Weakness
text
symptoms
additionalPadding
narrow

Experiencing symptoms? See a doctor.

If you don't have a doctor, empower health is a tool that connects people with trusted healthcare providers. You can also find check the Canadian Rheumatology Association directory to find a rheumatologist near you.
Empower Health
Directory of Rheumatologists
style
background-primary-red
additionalPadding
narrow
additionalMargin
wide
roundedBorders
true
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RISK FACTORS

Certain factors can put you at a higher risk

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.
family icon

Family history: if a family member has rheumatoid arthritis

bulleted-icon-list-item, icondescription-fs-20px
cigarette icon

Smoking: can increase your risk

bulleted-icon-list-item, icondescription-fs-20px
dna icon

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

bulleted-icon-list-item, icondescription-fs-20px
warning icon

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

bulleted-icon-list-item, icondescription-fs-20px
text
risk
style
two-col-50-50
extra-styles
offset
DIAGNOSING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Catching rheumatoid arthritis early matters

Finding RA early can help slow or stop disease 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.
STEP 1
stethoscope icon

Talk with your doctor

tile, title-fs-24px, description-fs-14px
Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, ask about your health and family history, and do a physical exam.
STEP 2
microscope icon

Additional tests, if needed

tile, title-fs-24px, description-fs-14px
To get to a diagnosis, your doctor may order x-rays or other lab tests
STEP 3
joint pain icon

See a rheumatologist

tile, title-fs-24px, description-fs-14px
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other conditions that impact bones, muscles, and joints.
text
diagnosis
additionalPadding
narrow
TREATMENT

Living well with rheumatoid arthritis

Taking care of your health can help you feel better and protect your joints. RA can be managed with the right combination of treatment, healthy habits, and support.
Managing a healthy lifestyle
accordion-item, title-fs-24px, titlestyle-standardtitle, layout-1column, description-fs-16px, column1-contenttypedescription, contenttypedescription-fs-16px
  • 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
  • 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
Treatment options
accordion-item, title-fs-24px, titlestyle-standardtitle, layout-1column, description-fs-16px
There are different types of RA treatments. Your doctor will help you find what works best for you.
style
background-tertiary-blue
additionalPadding
narrow
style
background-none
PP-LLY-CA-0029 04/2026 © 2026, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
style
background-none
additionalPadding
narrow