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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

The symptoms and course of RA will vary from person to person. In some people, the disease may be mild with periods of worsening joint inflammation called flares. In others, the disease is continuously active and gets worse over time.

If you have RA, you will likely experience inflamed joints that are warm, swollen, tender, painful, and difficult to move. These physical signs of arthritis are due to inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. If this inflammation continues, damage of nearby cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments can follow. This often leads to permanent joint deformity and disability. Symptoms of RA may include loss of appetite, a low-grade fever and having little energy. You may become anemic, a condition in which you may have a lower number of red blood cells than normal.

People with RA also may develop rheumatoid nodules, which are lumps of tissue that form under the skin, often over bony areas exposed to pressure.

Order the FREE Let's Talk RA Communication Kit Today!
This Kit offers you tips on communicating with your rheumatologist and getting the most out of your appointments together.

 
Next Topic: How is RA Diagnosed?
Previous Topic: What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
 
 
Home | Real People | About RA | Communicating
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
What are the Symptoms of RA?
How is RA Diagnosed?
How is RA Treated?
How to Best Manage RA
          
Preparing for Your Visit With Your Doctor
6 Steps to Being a Better RA Patient
Maximizing Your Rheumatologist Visit
Talking to Your Loved Ones About RA
Talking to Your Doctor About RA
Self Management With RA
 

For additional RA disease information from Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit RAliving.com

The Arthritis Foundation thanks Bristol-Myers Squibb for its financial support in underwriting the development of the Let's Talk RA program

FREE Communication Kit Order Form

Find out how others living with RA use the tools found in the Let's Talk RA Communication Kit with their doctors to get the best treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis.

Step One: Fill Out Form

First Name:
 
Last Name:
 
Email Address:
 
Address 1:
 
Address 2:
 
City:
 
State:
 
ZIP Code:
 
Date of Birth:
MM    DD    YYYY
 

Step Two: Answer 4 Questions

  1. What type of medication do you take for your RA?
    • Injection (shot)
    • Intravenous (IV)
    • Methotrexate or Other DMARD
    • Over-the-Counter (pill)
    • Other
  2. How often you take/receive your current medication for RA?
    • Daily
    • Every Week
    • Twice a Month
    • Once a Month
    • Every Other Month
    • As Needed
    • Other
  3. When did you start taking your current medication?

          MM    YYYY

  4. Please rate your current level of satisfaction with your RA treatment plan:

    Not at all Satisfied                     Highly Satisfied
 

Step Three: Choose Delivery Options:

  • Download Kit as PDF
  • Receive Kit By Mail

Opt-in to share information with Bristol-Myers Squibb?:*

  • Yes, Please send me information about an RA treatment option from Let's Talk RA sponsor,
    Bristol-Myers Squibb.
  • No thanks, but continue with order.
 

Step Four: Submit Order

 
* optional
FREE Communication Kit Order Form

Thank you for submitting the form.