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5 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

September 14, 2025

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can make everyday tasks — like buttoning a shirt or opening a jar — feel overwhelming.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re searching for answers, it helps to know what to expect and how to take control.

Ann Roth MS,OT/L,CHT, an occupational therapist with the Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, shares five key things to know about RA – and how to live better with it.

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1. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints.

“Your immune system attacks the lining of the joints, which is called synovium. The fluid within the joints gets thicker,” explains Roth. “When the joint lining becomes thicker, it can lead to swelling, stiffness and pain – especially in the hands and feet.”

Over time, this inflammation can cause:

Irreversible damage to cartilage, bone and joint connective tissue.
Joint deformities that can affect function.
Bumps (called nodules) under the skin.
Difficulty with daily tasks like writing or opening jars.

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2. Some people are more at risk.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age – even children.

“While about 1.7 million people in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis, the cause isn’t fully understood,” says Roth.

But here’s what we do know:

It may run in families.
It often starts between ages 40 and 60.
Women are three times more likely to develop it – and often experience more pain and depression.

3. Catching it early makes a big difference.

Lifestyle choices such as smoking can increase your risk and make the disease worse.

Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can go beyond the joints and affect the eyes, heart and lungs. It can also raise your risk for other conditions like cardiovascular disease and lymphoma.

That’s why early diagnosis matters.

“If you’re dealing with ongoing joint pain, swelling or stiffness – especially in the morning – talk to your doctor,” says Roth. “Early intervention can help manage symptoms, improve function and quality of life and prevent long-term damage.”

4. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis looks different for everyone.

“It’s most often treated with a combination of medication, lifestyle changes and therapy,” says Roth.

Treatment may also include:

Lifestyle changes through diet and exercise.
Stress management and education on joint protection and adaptive techniques.
Physical or occupational therapy.
Surgery to replace a joint or remove inflamed tissue.

5. You don’t have to manage it alone.

Start with your care team – they’re your first line of support.

“Your doctor can help guide treatment, answer questions and connect you with resources like support groups or counseling and occupational and physical therapy,” says Roth. “Having the right tools is the foundation you need most.”

And the outlook? It’s encouraging.

“Many people with rheumatoid arthritis continue to live full, active lives,” adds Roth. “The sooner we start managing it, the more we can protect your joints and quality of life.”