1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the RA Quiz
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises Slideshow

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group.

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In this Article

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
• What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
• What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
• What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
• What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
• How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
• "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
• "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
• What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
• What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
• Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
• What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
• Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
• What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
• Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
• Take the RA Quiz
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises Slideshow
• Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
• Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs
• Patient Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Diagnosis
• Patient Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Prognosis
• Patient Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Experience
• Find a local Rheumatologist in your town
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Index

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. To date, the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction and deformity. Early medical intervention has been shown to be important in improving outcomes. Aggressive management can improve function, stop damage to joints as monitored on X-rays, and prevent work disability. Optimal treatment for the disease involves a combination of medications, rest, joint-strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient (and family) education. Treatment is customized according to many factors such as disease activity, types of joints involved, general health, age, and patient occupation. Treatment is most successful when there is close cooperation between the doctor, patient, and family members.

Two classes of medications are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis: fast-acting "first-line drugs" and slow-acting "second-line drugs" (also referred to as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs). The first-line drugs, such as aspirin and cortisone (corticosteroids), are used to reduce pain and inflammation. The slow-acting second-line drugs, such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), promote disease remission and prevent progressive joint destruction.

The degree of destructiveness of rheumatoid arthritis varies among affected individuals. Those with uncommon, less destructive forms of the disease or disease that has quieted after years of activity ("burned out" rheumatoid arthritis) can be managed with rest plus pain control and anti-inflammatory medications alone. In general, however, function is improved and disability and joint destruction are minimized when the condition is treated earlier with second-line drugs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), even within months of the diagnosis. Most people require more aggressive second-line drugs, such as methotrexate, in addition to anti-inflammatory agents. Sometimes these second-line drugs are used in combination. In some cases with severe joint deformity, surgery may be necessary.