Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
  • RA is a long-term disease that happens when the body's immune system doesn't work the way it should. Instead of just providing protection from harmful events like infections, the immune system also attacks the body. This can cause inflammation, pain, fatigue and other symptoms.

• Is RA genetic? Does it run in families?
  • While family history may come into play, other factors are involved, too. So it isn't completely accurate to say that RA runs in families.

• What is an autoimmune disease?
  • An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body. Instead of simply attacking bacteria and viruses to protect the body, the immune system sees certain parts of the body as invaders and attacks them, too. Another way you could say this is that the immune system turns on the body.

• What are the signs and symptoms of RA?
  • Joint pain is the most common symptom of RA. It often goes along with warmth, redness, tenderness and swelling. Another common joint symptom is stiffness, especially in the morning. RA can also cause fatigue and other symptoms throughout the body. If left untreated, RA can lead to deformity of the joints. That's why it's important to go to the doctor as soon as any of these symptoms appear.

• How is RA different from arthritis or osteoarthritis (OA)?
  • When people talk about arthritis, they are often referring to a condition known as osteoarthritis, or OA. This is because OA is much more common. It generally begins after age 40 and develops over many years, as the joints break down with age. The pain that people feel with OA is due to this joint damage.
    
    RA is different than OA and is usually much more severe. Unlike OA, RA is not caused by wear and tear on the body. People with RA also have joint pain and inflammation, but these symptoms are caused by the body's immune system attacking the joints. RA is a disease that affects the entire body.

• Does RA affect just my joints?
  • No, RA can affect the whole body, so people with RA will have symptoms that are related to what is happening throughout the body, such as fatigue, fever or weight loss.

• How will RA affect the rest of my body?
  • RA affects the whole body, and this can cause fatigue, fever or weight loss. Symptoms can also appear in the skin and other areas. One of the most common skin symptoms is called rheumatoid nodules — small lumps of tissue that can be felt under the skin.

• Does RA get worse over time?
  • Yes, in most cases, if left untreated. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor relatively soon about your current symptoms. You and your doctor can determine the treatment option best for you.

• What is a DMARD?
  • A DMARD (disease modifying antirheumatic drug) is a class of medicine that works on the immune system to treat the signs and symptoms of RA and may slow the progression of the disease.

• What is a biologic therapy or biologic DMARD?
  • A biologic DMARD is the newest type of medicine to treat the signs and symptoms of RA. These drugs block the action of certain substances in the body and may be able to slow down the progression of RA. Biologic DMARDs are produced from living cells.

• What is the difference between an injection and an infusion?
  • With an injection, liquid is forced into the body, usually into a vein, just under the skin, or into a muscle or a joint. With an infusion, liquid flows slowly into a vein, over time.
    
    An injection is usually given quickly, in seconds, while infusion times vary depending on the medication.

• How do I know if my therapy is working?
  • Different therapies take different amounts of time to work. Some, like an NSAID, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, will relieve pain quickly, within a day or two. Other therapies, like DMARDs, or disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologic DMARDs, could generally take a few weeks, a few months or even longer before you feel that they're working. If your symptoms improve, that's a sign that the therapy is working. You may have less pain in your joints or you may not feel so tired all the time. And you may notice that you're able to move your joints more easily. Your rheumatologist will continue to perform tests and take X-rays to see how your RA is progressing.
    
    When your doctor prescribes a therapy, be sure to ask how long it will take before you can tell if it's working.

• Will my primary care physician be able to diagnose RA?
  • If your primary care physician thinks you have RA, he or she will most likely refer you to a doctor called a rheumatologist, a specialist in joint diseases. The rheumatologist will make the final diagnosis.

• Do I have to see a specialist to be diagnosed with RA?
  • Most people with RA see a doctor called a rheumatologist, a specialist in joint diseases. Rheumatologists are usually the ones who diagnose RA.

• How will I know if I have RA?
  • To determine whether you have RA, your doctor will do a number of things. First, you'll be asked questions about your medical history and the medical history of your family. Then you'll be examined physically, to evaluate your joint pain and swelling. You might also take some blood tests. With this information, your doctor will reach a diagnosis.

Next — Helpful links