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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Follow along on our year-long guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis, an exploration of the latest recommendations and research on the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of this inflammatory autoimmune condition. Each month will delve into another aspect, including warning signs, risk factors, and immune system triggers; management of pain, stiffness, swollen joints, and fatigue; medication options; reducing infection and other long-term risks; emotional, psychosocial, and reproductive/sexual health concerns; comorbidities; advising patients about self-care related to diet, exercise, and overall well-being to optimally live with the disease; special COVID-19 considerations; promising treatments in the pipeline; lessons learned from unique case studies, and more, all of which has undergone expert review. Every installment will include a downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

Ƶ MedicalToday

RA Beginnings: Before the Painful Joints

–At play in rheumatoid arthritis are autoantibodies, genetic factors, and environmental exposures

RA: Still a Clinical Diagnosis

–The pattern of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is key

RA: Choosing Initial Treatment

–Focus on methotrexate, and here are other key considerations

Case Study: Treatment-Resistant RA With Surprising Progression

–MRI and therapeutic advances offered older man relief after more than a decade of pain

Second-Line Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Are the Options?

–Targeting TNF, triple therapy, and questions about JAK inhibitors

Reproductive Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis

–Optimizing fertility, contraception, and pregnancy outcomes

Case Study: RA Patient Develops Rare Reaction Related to Biologic Treatment

–Consider panniculitis in any patient who develop fever and erythema after taking abatacept, clinicians urge

Psychological and Emotional Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis

–Risk for depression is particularly high, but help is available

Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

–Risks are increased, and assessment remains challenging

Remission and Beyond in Rheumatoid Arthritis

–Current emphasis is on tapering therapy for patients in remission