May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and this month Southcoast Health rheumatologist, Dr. Suzelle Luc, shares information about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – a chronic autoimmune disease that affects over a million people in the United States alone.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that not only causes joint pain and swelling, but if left untreated, can lead to long-term damage and serious complications. At Southcoast Health Rheumatology, our mission is to help patients understand this condition, catch it early, and treat it effectively — before it leads to irreversible harm.

RA is a systemic inflammatory disorder, meaning it can affect the entire body — but its hallmark is inflammation in the joints. Over time, this inflammation can damage cartilage and bone, leading to joint deformity, pain and loss of function.

RA typically affects joints symmetrically. This means if one wrist or hand is affected, the other often is too. However, in the early stages, it may affect only one joint. Some patients experience a sudden onset of symptoms, while others may notice joint pain that comes and goes or migrates from joint to joint.

Recognizing the Early Symptoms

The earlier RA is diagnosed, the better the outcomes, so it’s important to recognize early signs, including:

• Morning stiffness lasting 45 minutes or more (often described as a “gelling” feeling)
• Joint pain and swelling, especially in the hands and wrists
• Symptoms in other joints like the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet
• Fatigue, generalized muscle aches, and loss of appetite

These symptoms may come on gradually and can be mistaken for other issues. Don’t ignore them, especially if they persist.

Who is at Risk?

RA can affect anyone, but it most commonly starts between ages 30 and 60, with an average onset around age 60. It’s more common in women, occurring two to three times more often than in men.

There are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing RA:

• Family history of RA or other autoimmune diseases
• Obesity, which increases inflammation in the body
• Smoking, which is strongly associated with more aggressive disease
• Periodontal disease (gum disease), which has been linked to the development of RA-related antibodies

There is also a form of arthritis called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) that affects children and young adults, and while it causes similar symptoms, it is managed differently.

Getting a Diagnosis

If you suspect RA, the most important step is to see your primary care provider promptly. If RA is suspected, they may refer you to a rheumatologist — a specialist in autoimmune joint diseases.

Diagnosing RA includes:

• A thorough medical history and physical exam
• Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers and autoantibodies
• Imaging, such as X-rays, to look for joint damage

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

RA is a progressive disease, but early treatment can change its course. Early diagnosis helps:

• Prevent joint destruction and deformity
• Lower the risk of needing joint replacement surgery
• Reduce the risk of complications like heart disease, stroke and even certain cancers

Delaying diagnosis or treatment can lead to complications such as anemia, eye inflammation, osteoporosis and a higher risk of infections.

Modern Treatments: More Than Just Steroids

There’s been an exciting expansion in available treatments for RA. While steroids like prednisone may be used temporarily to reduce inflammation, the cornerstone of treatment today includes:

• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic therapies (injections, infusions or pills that target specific immune processes)

These medications can stop or significantly slow the progression of RA. Like all medications, they can have side effects, so your rheumatologist will closely monitor you with regular lab work and checkups to make sure the treatment is safe and effective for you.

How Southcoast Health Rheumatology is Helping

We’re committed to delivering timely, high-quality care to patients with RA. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

• We encourage early referrals for rapid evaluation and treatment.
• Our team includes four board-certified rheumatologists located in Tiverton, Fall River and Fairhaven.
• We offer an innovative E-consult service to streamline communication between providers.
• Our dedicated pharmacy liaison works to help patients navigate insurance approvals and find financial assistance for costly medications.

The Bottom Line

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis, don’t wait. Early action can prevent lifelong joint damage and improve quality of life. Speak with your primary care provider or contact one of our rheumatology offices directly.

We’re here to help you move forward — one step at a time.