People have long feared rheumatoid arthritis (commonly called RA) as one of the most disabling types of arthritis. The good news is that the outlook has greatly improved for many people with newly diagnosed (detected) RA.
Of course, RA remains a serious disease, and one that can vary widely in symptoms (what you feel) and outcomes. Even so, treatment advances have made it possible to stop or at least slow the progression (worsening) of joint damage. Rheumatologists now have many new treatments that target the inflammation that RA causes. They also understand better when and how to use treatments to get the best effects.
FAST FACTS
- RA is an autoimmune disease. A faulty immune system (the body’s defense system) triggers it.
- RA is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis.
- At least 1.3 million U.S. adults have RA.
- Treatments have improved greatly and help many of those affected.
- Rheumatologists are doctors who have the expertise to correctly diagnose this disease and to offer patients the most advanced treatments.
