Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment Options

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that affects the joints in your body. It’s not just regular joint pain—RA is a serious autoimmune disease. That means your own immune system, which normally protects you from getting sick, starts attacking your healthy joints by mistake. 

This causes joint inflammation, which can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually damage to the joints if not treated. 

Let’s break down what rheumatoid arthritis is, what symptoms to look for, how it affects the body, and how it can be treated. 

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease. Your immune system, which is supposed to keep you safe from infections, starts attacking the synovial membrane, which is the soft lining inside your joints. 

This causes the joints to become inflamed, which means they get swollen, painful, and stiff. Over time, this constant inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones inside the joints, leading to joint deformity—meaning the joints change shape and don’t work properly anymore. 

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by aging or wearing down of joints, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system not working the way it should. It usually affects joints on both sides of the body, like both knees or both wrists. 

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of RA, but they believe it’s a combination of things: 

• Genetics – You may inherit it from your family. 
• Hormones – Changes in hormones may trigger RA, especially in women. 
• Environment – Smoking or certain infections might increase the risk. 

This is why rheumatoid arthritis in women is more common than in men. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms 

Knowing the symptoms early can help in getting the right treatment. These are some common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to watch out for: 

Joint Symptoms 

• Chronic joint pain – Persistent aching, often affecting fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and toes. 
• Joint stiffness: Particularly noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. 
• Swelling and tenderness: Joints feel warm, swollen, and tender to touch.
• Fatigue: A common feature of autoimmune diseases, leaving individuals feeling constantly tired. 
• Symmetrical symptoms: Symptoms typically occur symmetrically, affecting the same joints on both sides of the body. 

Other Symptoms 

• Fatigue – Feeling tired all the time 
• Mild fever 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Rheumatoid nodules – Small, firm lumps under the skin 

If you notice these symptoms, especially more than one, it’s important to talk to a doctor and get a rheumatoid arthritis test. 

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects the Body 

RA doesn’t just affect your joints. Over time, it can also damage other parts of your body: 

• Lungs – May cause breathing problems or a long-lasting cough 
• Heart – Increases the risk of heart disease 
• Eyes – Can cause redness, dryness, or pain 
• Skin – May develop small lumps or rashes 
• Blood vessels – Inflammation may lead to circulation problems 

Because of this, rheumatoid arthritis is more than a joint issue. It is a full-body immune system disorder. 

Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis 

RA usually develops slowly through four different stages. Understanding these stages helps in getting the right rheumatoid arthritis treatment. 

Stage 1: Early RA 

• Inflammation begins 
• Mild symptoms like joint stiffness or pain 
• No visible joint damage on X-rays 

Stage 2: Moderate RA 

• Swelling and pain increase 
• Cartilage damage begins 
• Joint movement becomes harder 

Stage 3: Severe RA 

• Significant joint damage 
• Joints may start to look misshapen 
• Movement becomes very difficult and painful 

Stage 4: End-Stage RA 

• Joints may stop working completely 
• Severe pain and loss of mobility 
• Surgery might be needed 

Getting treatment early can help stop RA from reaching the later stages. 

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed? 

Doctors use a combination of tests to confirm if someone has RA. These may include: 

• Blood tests – To check for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies, which are often found in people with RA 
• Imaging tests – X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to look for joint damage 

A proper RA diagnosis allows doctors to start the best treatment as soon as possible. 

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis 

There’s no permanent cure for RA, but it can be managed with proper care. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms, slowing down the disease, and improving life quality. 

Medications 

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) – Help reduce pain and swelling 
• Steroids – Quickly lower inflammation but are usually used for a short time 
• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) – Help stop the disease from getting worse 
• Biologic agents – Special drugs that target specific parts of the immune system 

Physical and Occupational Therapy 

• Keeps joints flexible 
• Helps you learn better ways to move and protect your joints during daily tasks 

Lifestyle and Diet Changes 

• Regular exercise (like walking or swimming) 
• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish 
• Avoiding sugary, processed foods and quitting smoking 

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Without Surgery 

Many people can live well with RA without needing surgery. Here’s how: 

• Take your medications regularly 
• Exercise gently and often 
• Get plenty of rest 
• Eat a healthy diet 
• Avoid stress and get support from friends, family, or a support group 

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women 

Women are more susceptible to RA, often due to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Pregnancy and hormonal changes can affect RA symptoms in women significantly, sometimes even improving during pregnancy and worsening postpartum 

Natural Remedies for RA Joint Pain 

Some people also try natural treatments. These may help, but should always be discussed with a doctor first: 

• Warm or cold compresses 
• Light stretching or yoga 
• Turmeric or omega-3 supplements 

These can be part of your routine, but they are not a replacement for medical treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis 

RA and osteoarthritis are both joint diseases, but they are different:

Can RA Affect Organs Like the Lungs or Heart? 

Yes, RA can affect major organs. That’s why it’s important to treat it early. Long-term inflammation can cause serious problems if not controlled. Regular check-ups help monitor your health beyond just your joints. 

Best Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients 

Food can help you manage RA. The best diet for RA includes: 

• Fruits and vegetables – rich in vitamins and antioxidants 
• Whole grains – like oats and brown rice 
• Lean proteins – like fish, beans, and chicken 
• Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fish, chia seeds, and walnuts 

Avoid fast food, sugary snacks, and soda, as they can make inflammation worse. 

Final Thoughts 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious but manageable condition. By knowing the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, understanding how it works, and exploring different rheumatoid arthritis treatment options, you can live a healthy and active life.

Early diagnosis, proper medication, healthy food, and regular movement can all make a big difference. If you or someone you know has signs of RA, don’t wait—talk to a doctor about getting a rheumatoid arthritis test.