Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling in joints. Over time, the affected joint can become misshapen, misaligned and damaged. Tissue lining the joint can become thick, and may wear away surrounding ligaments, cartilage and bone as it spreads. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand has it, the other usually does, too.
The cause of rheumatoid...
Read moreLast year, I wrote about research finding links between stress and depression and increased rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. Now, new... Read more »
“You have Sero-negative RA,” my new rheumatologist. Dr M said. She was mater-of-fact. No doubt in her voice or her demeanor. My reply... Read more »
In early June, and for weeks since, news outlets have been writing about a study showing that responsibly drinking... Read more »
As you may be aware, a new set of criteria for diagnosing RA has been developed. The new criteria are a result of a collaboration... Read more »
In the early 20th century, Swedish physician Henrik Sjögren (SHOW-gren) first described a group of women whose chronic arthritis was... Read more »
Q: How do most patients get referred to a rheumatologist in the first place?Kremer: Usually, it’s the pain that’s perceived to be arthritis pain.... Read more »
A British rheumatoid arthritis (RA) specialist says people who show the early signs of the disease and fail to seek treatment may be risking not only... Read more »
Swedish researchers say a blood test could predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) long before the person notices any symptoms of the condition. The... Read more »
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are among the most disabling forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects 1 percent of the U.S.... Read more »
From the FDA Consumer Magazine, March-April 2005 by Carol Rados Few people with arthritis would be willing to stop taking a medication that works,... Read more »