Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Education & Resources

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that affects not only joints but also organs, including eyes. While it can have painful and debilitating effects if left untreated, there are effective therapies to help control RA and its symptoms.

Everyone’s experience living with RA is different, but having information, resources and support can help you navigate your journey with this disease, whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or you’re a veteran of this disease. Explore this site to learn more about RA and what to expect when you’re diagnosed, as well as treatments and how to conquer everyday challenges. You’ll find support from others living with RA, ways to stay active and manage your disease, opportunities to advocate for yourself and others – so you can say Yes! to living with RA.

An estimated 1.3 million Americans live with RA, and it is twice as common in women as men.

RA takes a toll on mental health, with some estimates that up to 22% of RA patients have depression.

In one study, more than 50% of RA patients who reached remission sustained it for at least two years.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares

With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks its own body, causing pain and inflammation in joints as well as organs. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for this inflammatory, autoimmune condition.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Guidelines

Read about the recommended therapies for RA, including various types of medications, how your doctor may approach your treatment, and what to discuss with your health care provider.

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Receiving a diagnosis of this complex disease may feel overwhelming. Start by asking your doctor the right questions to guide you, with help from this downloadable checklist.

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News & Stories

In the News
New Barrier to Methotrexate for Arthritis Patients

The Roe V. Wade ruling by the Supreme Court is making it difficult for some arthritis patients to get this common arthritis medication. Learn why, and what you can do.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease

Learn why RA puts you at a greater risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself.

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Thriving With RA

Eugenia Esquivel was 30 years old and in a high-powered career when she was diagnosed with RA. Read about her journey and what helped her learn to not just cope, but thrive with the disease.

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Living Well With Rheumatoid Arthritis

How Fat Affects Rheumatoid Arthritis

Being overweight can worsen RA symptoms, make medications less effective and set you up for other health problems.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep

Understand how your RA can affect your sleep and how your sleep problems make your symptoms worse.

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Anti-Inflammatory Diet Do's and Don'ts

Following an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce body-wide inflammation. Here's how to do it.

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