What Increases Your Risk

The only known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis is a possible inherited factor in some families (genetic predisposition). A genetic factor may affect how the immune system works. It can cause inflammation and eventual destruction of the membranes that line the joints.

Other factors that may increase your risk for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Being female. Rheumatoid arthritis affects women 2 to 3 times as often as men.¹
• Being between the ages of 40 and 60. Rheumatoid arthritis can begin at any age, but it most often begins in adulthood.²

When to Call a Doctor

Call your health professional immediately if you have:

• Sudden, unexplained swelling and pain in any joint or joints.
• Joint pain associated with a fever or rash.
• Pain that is so severe that you cannot use the joint.

Call your health professional within the next few days if you have:

• Mild to moderate joint pain that continues and has not improved for over 6 weeks.
• Side effects that occur with large doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medicine used to treat your arthritis.

Watchful Waiting

It is reasonable to try home treatment for mild joint pain and stiffness. If there is no improvement after 6 weeks, or if any other symptoms are present, call your doctor.

Early treatment can slow and sometimes prevent significant joint damage. So if you have symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor to find out if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment allows for possible reduction of joint pain, slows joint destruction, and reduces the chance of permanent disability.

Who to See

Early arthritis symptoms can be diagnosed by:

• A nurse practitioner.
• A physician assistant.
• A family medicine doctor.
• An internist.
• A rheumatologist.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated by:

• A rheumatologist.
• A family medicine doctor or an internist who consults with a rheumatologist.

Supportive treatment can be provided by:

• An orthopedic surgeon, if surgery is needed.
• A physical therapist.
• An occupational therapist.
• Getting counseling.