What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, it can damage joints and surrounding tissues. 

Medome helps you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Rheumatoid Arthritis usually means

  • Joint pain, tenderness, or swelling 
  • Fatigue or low-grade fever 
  • Warmth or redness around joints 
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes 
  • Symmetrical joint involvement (both sides of the body) 
  • Lack of appetite

What people ask about Rheumatoid Arthritis

“Is RA the same as osteoarthritis?”

No, RA is autoimmune and inflammatory; osteoarthritis is wear and tear. 

“Can RA go into remission?”

Yes, with early and consistent treatment, symptoms can lessen or disappear for periods. 

“Does diet or stress affect RA?”

Both can influence flares—anti-inflammatory diets and stress management may help. 

“Can RA affect other parts of the body?”

Yes, it can involve the eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels if untreated. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs

  • Persistent joint pain or stiffness lasting more than a few weeks 
  • Difficulty using hands, wrists, or knees due to pain or swelling 
  • New or worsening fatigue with unexplained inflammation markers 
  • Noticeable joint deformity or loss of motion 

Fever, chills, and signs of infection

  • Chest pain or pain when breathing

How Medome Helps

Medome analyzes your comprehensive health picture, including sleep patterns, habits, risk factors, symptoms, and medical history, to identify the most likely explanations and guide you toward the right next step. 

*This information is provided for educational purposes onlyTo best understand what is the cause of your symptom, please complete a free Medome consultation. Of course, any final medical decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed medical professional.