Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland

Rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects around 1 in 50 people and is more common in women than men. It is most common after the age of 40, but can happen at any age.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the lining of your joints, causing them to be swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, your joints become damaged and stop working properly. It usually affects the joints of your hands and feet first, but any joint may later become affected.

It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as there are many causes of joint inflammation and symptoms often start slowly. There is as yet no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early treatment will reduce pain and may minimise joint damage.

Last updated on 3 July 2007 02:17 PM