Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects 400,000 people in the UK, especially women, and can start at any age. In RA, the body attacks its own tissues, producing inflammation. It often begins in mid-life, and may be linked to genetic factors as well as environmental – for example, smoking, intake of alcohol, red meat and coffee, or unidentified infections.
Prompt diagnosis, the right treatment and rapid access to specialist care can control symptoms and reduce long-term disability, so whether you’re newly diagnosed or already living with RA, your care should follow new guidelines from NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (nice.org.uk).
Symptoms
Joints and surrounding tissues – particularly in the hands, wrists and feet – become red, hot, swollen, painful and stiff, especially on…
