Rheumatoid Arthritis: Managing joint pain

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Explore symptoms
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Learn about risk factors
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Understand diagnosis
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Rheumatoid arthritis icon

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune condition affecting ~450,000 people1 in the UK.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease where your body’s defence system attacks your own joints. This can affect the hands, wrists and knees, causing pain, stiffness and difficulty moving. Diagnosing quickly and early treatment can reduce pain, slow joint damage, and help people stay active for longer.1,2
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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

Recognising 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.1
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Sometimes, the symptoms get worse for a while (called a flare)2, and then they get better or even go away for a bit (called remission)3. Other common symptoms include:2
  • Pain in more than one joint
  • Tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in joints
  • Appetite loss
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Hight temperature
  • Sweating
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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 are experiencing symptoms or if you have any questions or concerns, talk to a healthcare professional. There may be additional risk factors.4,5,6
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Family history and genetics: if a family member has rheumatoid arthritis4

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Hormones: rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men, possibly to sex hormones5
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Smoking: can increase your risk6

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DIAGNOSING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Catching rheumatoid arthritis early matters

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 healthcare professional. They might send you to a specialist 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.7,8
STEP 1
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Talk with your healthcare professional 8

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Your healthcare professional will ask questions about your symptoms, ask about your health and family history, and do a physical exam.
STEP 2
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Additional tests, if needed4

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To get to a diagnosis, your healthcare professional may order x-rays or other lab tests
STEP 3
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See a rheumatologist8

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Your healthcare professional may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specialises in arthritis and other conditions that impact bones, muscles, and joints.
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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 mix of treatment, healthy habits, and support.
Managing a healthy lifestyle
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  • Stay active and keep a healthy weight4
  • Don’t smoke—it can make RA worse1
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables9,10,11
  • 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
Medical treatment options 11
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There are different types of RA treatments. Your healthcare professional will help you find what works best for you.

References:

  1. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? [Internet]. Maidenhead: NRAS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://nras.org.uk/resource/what-is-ra/
  2. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Symptoms [Internet]. London: NHS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms/
  3. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). What remission means in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [Internet]. Maidenhead: NRAS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://nras.org.uk/resource/remission/
  4. Arthritis UK. Rheumatoid arthritis [Internet]. Chesterfield: Arthritis UK; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/
  5. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). Possible causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis [Internet]. Maidenhead: NRAS; [date not stated] [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://nras.org.uk/resource/possible-causes-and-risk-factors/
  6. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Causes [Internet]. London: NHS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: 1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/causes/
  7. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Diagnosis [Internet]. London: NHS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: 1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis/
  8. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Treatment [Internet]. London: NHS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: 1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment/
  9. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). Diet and rheumatoid arthritis [Internet]. Maidenhead: NRAS; [date not stated] [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://nras.org.uk/resource/diet/
  10. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? – Looking after yourself [Internet]. Maidenhead: NRAS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://nras.org.uk/resource/what-is-ra/#sub7
  11. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Living with RA [Internet]. London: NHS; [accessed 17 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/
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