Today marks the start of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (15th – 19th September 2025), a time used to raise awareness of the condition and tackle any misconceptions by providing accurate information about what Rheumatoid Arthritis is.
The theme of this year’s campaign is focussing on symptoms and raising awareness.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It most often affects the hands, feet, and wrists.
Those who have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis may experience periods where symptoms become worse, known as ‘flare-ups’. Although flare-ups can be hard to predict, treatments can help reduce how often they happen or limit or prevent long-term damage.
In some cases, Rheumatoid Arthritis can also affect other parts of the body and may cause more general symptoms, such as tiredness or unintentional weight loss.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain: Rheumatoid Arthritis can often cause a throbbing or aching pain in the joints.
- Stiffness: Joints affected can feel stiff and difficult to move. For instance, if your hands are involved, you may struggle to bend your fingers fully or make a fist.
- Swelling, Warmth & Redness: The lining of the affected joints can become inflamed, leading to swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Some people may also develop firm lumps under the skin near these joints.
Other symptoms
Rheumatoid Arthritis doesn’t just affect the joints. Some people also experience:
- Tiredness or low energy
- A raised temperature
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because other conditions can also cause joint stiffness and inflammation, and there isn’t a single test that confirms it.
If you have symptoms, book an appointment with your GP so they can look into the cause.
Your GP will examine your joints, checking for swelling and how well they move. They will also ask about your symptoms.
Be sure to mention all your symptoms, event those you don’t think are important. This information will help your GP to make an accurate diagnosis.
If your GP suspects Rheumatoid Arthritis, they might refer you to a specialist called a Rheumatologist for further assessment.
Treatment
Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis aim to reduce joint inflammation, ease pain, slow or prevent joint damage, and help you stay as active as possible.
Although there’s no cure currently, starting treatment early, alongside lifestyle changes, supportive treatments, and sometimes surgery – can lower the risk of joint damage and help you manage the condition more effectively.
Your care will usually involve your GP working alongside a team of specialists.
Medicines are available that can slow the progress of Rheumatoid Arthritis and reduce the risk of further problems. There are usually grouped into two main types:
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Biological treatments
NHS Website
For further details about Rheumatoid Arthritis, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/
Page Created: 15th September 2025
Page Updated: 15th September 2025