In brief
A chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the tissues lining the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and heat.
- The anti-CCP antibody test can help diagnose early RA, but it is not recommended as a screening test, according to Pathology Tests Explained.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation in organs such as the lungs or eyes.
- Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist, a specialist in arthritis.
How it works
It usually starts in the smaller joints of the hands or feet, with stiffness that is often worse in the morning, and persistent tiredness (fatigue) is common. It usually appears between the ages of 30 and 60 and affects women more often than men. Genes may play a role, and your risk is higher if you smoke.
Getting a diagnosis as soon as possible means treatment can start quickly. Early treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, helps control inflammation and reduce long-term joint damage. Treatment may also include biological medicines, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and exercise to maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility.
Connections
4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause
Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling, pain and heat in the joints, usually starting in the hands or feet.
Sources: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Rheumatoid arthritis; healthdirect Australia, Rheumatoid arthritis
Persistent mental and physical tiredness (fatigue) is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is linked with
Your risk of rheumatoid arthritis is higher if you smoke.
Rheumatoid arthritis can result from
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the tissues lining the joints.
Lab tests
- C-reactive protein (CRP)A blood test for C-reactive protein, a protein the liver releases into the blood in response to inflammation.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)Measures how fast red blood cells settle in a tube of blood, a general sign of inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis antibodies (anti-CCP and RF)Blood tests for antibodies linked with rheumatoid arthritis, anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF).
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect, the Better Health Channel and Pathology Tests Explained. Sources read on 13, 16 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.