Rheumatoid Arthritis: Overview

Reviewed by Michael Schweitz, MD

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you've got plenty of company. About 1.3 million people in the U.S have the condition; about two-thirds of them are women. RA is a chronic disease in which your immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. This can make it harder to do things like walk, dance or just get around the house.

Updated November 2012
Next - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes & Risk Factors

Living Well

"Sjögren's Keep Me on the Sidelines? No Way!"
Nicole Eggert: Giving Back Pain the Boot
Six of Spring’s Best Body/Brain Boosters
How to Clean When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Flu Shot
Caregivers and Social Media
How to Take Care of Yourself When Caring for a Loved One
Tips to Stay Healthy and Stress Free
Easy Yoga for Hand Arthritis
Yes, You Can Dance with Arthritis
Jillian Michaels on Working Out with Osteoarthritis
Enjoy the Outdoors the RA-Friendly Way
Fibromyalgia Alert: Treat It Early!
Train Your Brain to Love a Workout
Recapture Your Confidence with RA
Laugh Away the Burdens of Caregiving
6 Sleep Secrets for Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA-Friendly Fixes for Daily Living
The Secret to Feel-Good Cooking (and Eating!)
How to Make Cooking with RA Fun
Don’t Let RA Pain Throw a Wrench in Your Relationships
Cheryl Ladd: What My Mom’s RA Taught Me
Olympic Fitness Secrets
Losing Weight with RA
30-Second Health Fixes
Your Infusion Checklist
10 Top Tips for Bathroom Safety
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Ditch Depression, Decrease RA Symptoms
6 Everyday Energy Boosters
Long-Distance Caregiver? How to Make Your Contribution Count
Questions for Your Rheumatologist
Foot Exercises
Stretch Away Pain
Can a Vegan Diet Fight RA?
Team Up with Your Doctor to Fight RA
Got RA? Sleep the Night Away
Ask the Experts: Sex and RA
5 Tips for Fighting RA Flares
RA: Treatment Options
Drop Unwanted Weight Gain from Arthritis Meds
6 Ways to Fight Inflammation
Expert Advice: Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Meredith Boyd & RA: A Surprising Pair
The ABCs of Rheumatoid Arthritis