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Rheumatoid arthritis
About RA

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It happens because the body’s immune system – normally there to fight infections – starts attacking healthy joint tissue by mistake.

In RA, the lining of the joints (called the synovial tissue) becomes inflamed.1,2 Over time, this can damage the joints, including the cartilage and bone, and may lead to long-term disability if not treated.1

RA usually starts in the small joints, like those in the hands and feet, but it can affect any joint in the body.3

While there’s no cure for RA, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow down the disease. In more severe cases, surgery might be needed to help improve movement and reduce pain.

How many people have RA?

RA affects between 0.5 to 1% of the population worldwide. Between 25 and 50 new cases evolve in a population of 100,000.4

The highest rates are in those of native American descent.5

References

  1. Jang D-i, et al. The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) in Autoimmune Disease and Current TNF-α Inhibitors in Therapeutics. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021;22, 2719.
  2. NIH. National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/synovial-membrane. Last accessed April 2025.
  3. NHS England. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symptoms. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms/. Last accessed April 2025.
  4. Uhlig T, Moe RH, Kvien TK. The burden of disease in rheumatoid arthritis. Pharmacoeconomics. 2014;32(9):841-851.
  5. Peschken CA, et al. Rheumatoid Arthritis in a North American Native Population: Longitudinal Followup and Comparison with a White Population. The Journal of Rheumatology. 2010,37(8):1589-1595.