Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Education & Resources

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that affects not only joints but also organs, including eyes. While it can have painful and debilitating effects if left untreated, there are effective therapies to help control RA and its symptoms.

Everyone’s experience living with RA is different, but having information, resources and support can help you navigate your journey with this disease, whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or you’re a veteran of this disease. Explore this site to learn more about RA and what to expect when you’re diagnosed, as well as treatments and how to conquer everyday challenges. You’ll find support from others living with RA, ways to stay active and manage your disease, opportunities to advocate for yourself and others – so you can say Yes! to living with RA.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment More About RA

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Need You

Your generous gift today helps find new and better treatments for people living with rheumatoid arthritis. You’re also supporting life-changing programs and resources that make it easier to manage the disease, plus much more. We’re in this together.

;

An estimated 1.3 million adults in the U.S. live with RA, and it is twice as common in women as men.

RA takes a toll on mental health, with some estimates that up to 22% of RA patients have depression.

In one study, more than 50% of RA patients who reached remission sustained it for at least two years.

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares

With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks its own body, causing pain and inflammation in joints as well as organs. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for this inflammatory, autoimmune condition.

Learn More

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Guidelines

Read about the recommended therapies for RA, including various types of medications, how your doctor may approach your treatment, and what to discuss with your health care provider.

Learn More

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Receiving a diagnosis of this complex disease may feel overwhelming. Start by asking your doctor the right questions to guide you, with help from this downloadable checklist.

Learn More

Newly Diagnosed - Rheumatoid Arthritis

Winning at Life With Rheumatoid Arthritis

ShaRae Mansfield, a former pro basketball player who lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), talks about her experience before she was diagnosed and how she finally got a correct diagnosis. She shares what she wishes she had known about living with arthritis when she was younger and offers advice to others who are newly diagnosed with RA.

Read About ShaRae Mansfield

News & Stories

News

New Barrier to Methotrexate for Arthritis Patients

The Roe V. Wade ruling by the Supreme Court is making it difficult for some arthritis patients to get this common arthritis medication. Learn why, and what you can do.

Learn More

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease

Learn why RA puts you at a greater risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Learn More

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Thriving With RA

Eugenia Esquivel was 30 years old and in a high-powered career when she was diagnosed with RA. Read about her journey and what helped her learn to not just cope, but thrive with the disease.

Learn More

Living Well With Rheumatoid Arthritis

6+ yrs Diagnosed

How Fat Affects Rheumatoid Arthritis

Being overweight can worsen RA symptoms, make medications less effective and set you up for other health problems.

Learn More

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep

Understand how your RA can affect your sleep and how your sleep problems make your symptoms worse.

Learn More

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Anti-Inflammatory Diet Do's and Don'ts

Following an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce body-wide inflammation. Here's how to do it.

Learn More

More about Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA's Effect on the Brain How RA Can Affect the Body Best Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis Use of Imaging Scans in the Detection and Monitoring of RA RA and Your Body Image Track Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Common Questions

What tests are used to diagnose and track RA?

Are depression and anxiety linked with RA?

What should I eat or avoid with RA?

What causes my fatigue with RA?

What mind-body exercises might help?

How should I prepare for joint surgery?

Help & Support

Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands RA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.

Get the Help You Need

Recently Diagnosed?

If you were recently diagnosed, you may feel overwhelmed and alone. Get tips that can help you manage your disease.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Get Connected with a Community

Connecting with others in your local community who understand what it's like to live with arthritis is life-changing. Find a connect group near you to make new friends, share tips and get support.

Living Well With Inflammatory Arthritis

Get connected in-person to create achievable health goals and learn management and treatments options specific to your disease.

Find Events Near Me Join Us

Resources & Tools

Your Exercise Solution Videos Your Health, Your Coverage Walk With Ease E-books Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast Educational Webinars Ease of Use Products Become an Advocate Pain Management Resources

Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.