Experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms? These are the steps to take

Experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms? Here’s what to do

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your joints. Early recognition and action can slow its progression, ease discomfort and preserve joint function. If you’re noticing unusual joint aches, stiffness or swelling, follow these steps based on current guidelines (Aletaha et al. 2010; Smolen et al. 2014) and trusted medical sources.

Common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

• Joint pain and tenderness, often worst in small joints (fingers, wrists)
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Swelling, warmth or redness around affected joints
• Symptoms on both sides of the body (symmetrical pattern)
• Fatigue, low-grade fever or general malaise
• Loss of grip strength or difficulty performing daily tasks

Step 1: Track what you feel
Keep a simple daily log of your symptoms:

• Time of day when pain or stiffness peaks
• Which joints are affected
• Duration of stiffness and pain intensity (scale of 1–10)
• Any triggers (activity, weather changes, stress)
• Impact on sleep, mood and daily tasks

A clear diary helps you and your doctor spot patterns, measure changes over time and choose the best treatment.

Step 2: Do a quick self-check online
Before your appointment, you might try a free, online symptom check for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to get a general sense of what to expect. These tools aren’t a substitute for professional advice but can guide your next steps and help you prepare questions.

Step 3: Schedule a healthcare visit
If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, book an appointment with your primary care provider or a rheumatologist. Be ready to share:

• Your symptom diary
• Family history of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
• Any recent infections or medications you’re taking

Early referral to a rheumatologist improves outcomes, since treatment is most effective when started promptly.

Step 4: Understand the classification criteria
Doctors use the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria (Aletaha et al. 2010) to help confirm an RA diagnosis. You’re scored on:

• Joint involvement (number and size of joints affected)
• Blood tests for specific antibodies (RF, anti-CCP)
• Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
• Duration of symptoms (more or less than 6 weeks)

A total score of 6 or more (out of 10) supports an RA diagnosis. Knowing these criteria helps you follow your doctor’s reasoning.

Step 5: Expect key diagnostic tests
To confirm RA and rule out other causes, your doctor may order:

• Blood tests: RF (rheumatoid factor), anti-CCP (anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein)
• Imaging: X-rays to check joint damage; ultrasound or MRI to detect early inflammation

These tests help gauge disease activity and guide treatment choices based on the 2013 EULAR management update (Smolen et al. 2014).

Step 6: Start treatment early
Once RA is diagnosed, early treatment prevents joint damage and disability. Typical approaches include:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate—these slow the disease process
• Short-term NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids to control pain and swelling
• Biologic agents (e.g., TNF inhibitors) for moderate to severe disease or if initial DMARDs aren’t enough
• Regular labs to monitor blood counts, liver and kidney function

Following a “treat-to-target” plan—adjusting medications to reach low disease activity or remission—is now standard care.

Step 7: Monitor your progress
RA is a lifelong condition for many people. Regular check-ups every 3–6 months help ensure your treatment is on track. Your doctor will:

• Measure disease activity (joint counts, patient questionnaires)
• Repeat blood tests (ESR, CRP, liver enzymes)
• Adjust medications based on response and side effects

If you’re on methotrexate or other DMARDs, your doctor may also assess liver stiffness. Newer guidelines suggest noninvasive measures (e.g., FibroScan®) if there’s concern about drug-related liver injury (Tsochatzis et al. 2014).

Step 8: Adopt helpful lifestyle changes
Alongside medical treatment, simple habits can ease symptoms:

• Gentle, regular exercise (walking, swimming, yoga) to keep joints flexible
• Balanced diet rich in omega-3s (fatty fish, flaxseeds), antioxidants (fruits, vegetables) and lean proteins
• Adequate rest and stress management—try mindfulness or meditation
• Occupational therapy techniques to protect joints during daily tasks

Small improvements in nutrition, sleep and activity can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.

When to seek urgent care
Some RA symptoms or complications need immediate attention:

• High fever, severe fatigue or unexplained weight loss
• Signs of serious infection (e.g., mouth sores, persistent cough, burning with urination) while on immunosuppressive drugs
• Sudden, severe joint pain with trauma
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

Always speak to a doctor or call emergency services if you have life-threatening or rapidly worsening problems.

Next steps and talking to your doctor
If you believe you have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms—joint swelling, persistent stiffness or unexplained fatigue—take action now:

1. Keep tracking your symptoms.
2. Try a free, online symptom check for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
3. Schedule a medical evaluation.

Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance to slow disease progression. Discuss any concerns, test results and treatment options with your doctor. If you experience serious or life-threatening symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Your health matters—don’t wait to get the answers and care you deserve.