Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term (chronic) autoimmune condition. This means the body’s immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the lining of the joints, causing them to become inflamed and damaged.

Around 2% of the population are estimated to have RA. The disease usually develops between the ages of 35 and 60 years. In Australia, most people who have the condition are over the age of 65.

RA most commonly affects smaller joints in the hands, wrists and feet although larger joints such as the hips and knees can also be affected. Some people also experience problems in other parts of the body including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and kidneys.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms of RA can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• joint pain
  
• joint stiffness that lasts longer than one hour, especially in the morning
  
• joint swelling.
  

It’s not known exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

People are thought to be at an increased risk of developing the condition if they:

• have a family history of RA – the risk may be increased by having a gene called human leukocyte antigen DR4 (HLA-DR4)
  
• smoke – there is evidence to suggest that smoking is linked to the development of RA.
  
• are female – although RA can occur in both men and women, the condition is more common in women than in men.
  

It can be difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The symptoms are similar to many other conditions. 

It’s important that a definite diagnosis is made early so that treatment can be started quickly.

A diagnosis of RA is primarily based on your symptoms and a physical examination of your joints by your doctor. Your doctor will use blood tests to help confirm the clinical diagnosis.

Blood tests can detect signs of inflammation in the joints as well as certain proteins – antibodies – which are made by the body’s immune system.

X-rays are often taken as they can show the extent of joint damage. However, in the early stages of disease, X-rays may not show any joint damage.

If a GP suspects someone has RA, they will usually refer them to a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are doctors who specialise in arthritis.

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but treatment can help reduce joint inflammation and decrease pain and stiffness.

Starting medicines in the early stages of disease prevents permanent joint damage and improves the quality of life of people living with RA.

The type of medicines used will depend on a number of factors that determine how active the disease is and how likely it is to cause joint damage. Rheumatologists will often test different types of treatment to see which one works best. There are several types of medicine used to treat RA.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a group of medicines that are usually given to people when first diagnosed with RA (see Table 1). These medicines reduce the activity of the immune system which is attacking and damaging healthy joints.

Methotrexate is a type of DMARD and is the recommended medicine for most people. It’s usually taken in the form of a tablet but can also be injected (just under the skin, not into a muscle or the blood stream). Methotrexate can be used in combination with other medicines, such as biological DMARDS (bDMARDS).

Steroids

Steroids, such as prednisone, can reduce inflammation in the joints and provide quick relief of symptoms. However, they’re only used short term to provide pain relief while waiting for DMARD medication to work. This is because long-term use of steroids is linked with serious side effects.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also given to people with RA to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the joints. NSAIDs are only prescribed to help symptoms and do not slow down disease progression. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking NSAIDs over the counter particularly if you have problems with your blood pressure, heart, kidneys or stomach. 

There are many myths about methotrexate which can cause great concern and can be a barrier to treatment.

Table 2 below includes facts which bust some of the most common myths about methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Like all medicines, methotrexate may cause side effects. The most common side effects include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
  
• tiredness, headache and feeling foggy
  
• mouth ulcers
  
• increased skin sensitivity to the sun.
  

Side effects from methotrexate can be reduced by taking it with food or in the evening. If you are concerned about side effects of your medicine, speak to your doctor or rheumatologist.

Information that comes with your medicine may mention serious side effects that can occur with methotrexate. However, many of these side effects relate to high-dose methotrexate, which is often used for the treatment of cancer. Methotrexate is used in much lower doses for the treatment of RA and serious side effects may not apply.

Dosing errors can and have occurred with oral methotrexate. Always confirm the dose and how often to take it with your doctor and/or your pharmacist before starting your medicine. 

More information about dosages of methotrexate is available on the TGA website 

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should make regular appointments with their rheumatologist. Routine tests are often required to check that treatment is working properly and to minimise any side effects of treatment.

You should also speak to your GP or rheumatologist if you plan on taking any other medicines at that same time as those your doctors have prescribed to treat your RA. Other medicines include over-the-counter, herbal and naturopathic medicines. Check that these will not interfere or interact with your RA medicine.

In some cases, urgent medical attention may be required. You should contact your doctor or rheumatologist if you experience any of the following:

• signs of infection including a fever, redness or painful skin or wounds
  
• breathing difficulties and/or a dry cough
  
• a flare-up – that is, an increase in joint pain and swelling.
  

You can take action to help prevent and reduce the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on your quality of life.

• If your GP suspects that you have RA, see a rheumatologist as soon as possible so a definite diagnosis can be made and treatment, if needed, can be started early.
  
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly – people who are overweight are more likely to develop RA and respond less well to treatment.
  
• Stop smoking – people who smoke are also more likely to develop RA and respond less well to treatment.
  
• Find ways to make tasks around the home easier for yourself. For more information read the Arthritis Australia booklet At home with arthritis: simple steps to managing in the home.
  
• Learn more about your condition and medicines. Visit Arthritis Australia's myRA website for information and support.
  
• Our Rheumatoid arthritis roadmap can help you navigate life with RA, from diagnosis to finding treatment that works for you.
• You can read some general information about vaccinations for people living with RA. 

• Arthritis Australia. Arthritis Information sheet: Rheumatoid arthritis. 2007. 
  
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Rheumatoid arthritis. Canberra: AIHW, 2017 (accessed 19 February 2018).
  
• Combe B, Landewe R, Daien CI, et al. 2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:948-59. 
  
• Rheumatology Expert Group. Therapeutic Guidelines: Rheumatoid arthritis: Introduction to rheumatoid arthritis. West Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, 2017 (accessed 19 February 2018).
  
• Smolen JS, Landewe R, Bijlsma J, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:960-77. 
  
• Wilsdon T, Hill C. Managing the drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Aust Prescr 2017;40:51-8.