Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic type of arthritis. Early symptoms of RA include fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness. As it progresses, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may feel like the flu, with achiness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, although there may be a genetic component. Early and effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment can improve the prognosis and may help prevent joint and bone destruction associated with RA.

Select a Chapter

Latest Headlines
Yoga May Improve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Young patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may feel better after practicing yoga for just six weeks, a new study shows.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-term) disease. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can come and go, and each person with RA is affected differently. Some people have long periods of remission. Their rheumatoid arthritis is inactive, and they have few or no symptoms during this time. Other people might have near-constant rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for months at a stretch.

Although rheumatoid arthritis can involve different parts the body, joints are always affected. When the disease acts up, joints become inflamed. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or other threats, but in rheumatoid arthritis inflammation occurs inappropriately and for unknown reasons.

How Well Are You Managing RA?

Take the WebMD RA Assessment to get a personalized plan for managing your RA symptoms.

get started

Today in RA

RA Overview Slideshow
Slideshow
senior woman holding green apple
Article
 
chronic pain
Health Check
Man with knee brace
Article
 
human heart
Article
boy with serious expression
Article
 
salad
Video
Woman massaging her neck
Quiz
 
Trainer demonstrating exercise for RA
Slideshow
Woman rubbing shoulder
Slideshow
 
Young adult woman suffering from aches
Article
Woman practicing cat pose
Video