Rheumatoid Arthritis
NHS 25 March 2026
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It is an autoimmune condition — the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (synovium). It affects around 400,000 people in the UK.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, tenderness, swelling and warmth
- Stiffness in the morning (lasting more than 30 minutes)
- Symmetrical joint involvement (both hands, both wrists)
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- In severe cases, joint damage and deformity
Treatment
The main aims are to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation to prevent joint damage.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) — methotrexate is usually the first-line treatment
- Biological DMARDs — e.g. TNF inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept), JAK inhibitors — for people who do not respond to conventional DMARDs
- NSAIDs and steroids — for short-term relief of symptoms
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy — to maintain joint function
Living with RA
Many people with RA can continue working and living active lives with the right treatment. Versus Arthritis provides excellent support: 0800 5200 520.