Can You Cure Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Updated: May 27, 2025
4 mins
Millions of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Still, health experts don’t know exactly what causes this type of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation in the joints. The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing joint pain and stiffness in the wrists, hips, and other parts of the body. While there are ways to manage RA symptoms, healthcare providers are still researching a cure for rheumatoid arthritis.
Who is at Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Several factors may contribute to the risk of someone developing rheumatoid arthritis. Those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis may be more likely to develop it as they age. Still, you can develop rheumatoid arthritis at any age.
The following health conditions are commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis:
Obesity
Gum disease
Lung disease
Hormonal imbalances
Lifestyle habits like smoking tobacco may also increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women are also more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Some women who have never experienced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis before may have joint pain or tenderness during pregnancy.
Key Point: What is the Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a health condition that is more likely to occur from wear and tear over time, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks multiple joints at once. Osteoarthritis symptoms are more isolated to joints in the lower parts of the spine and finger joints. However, both conditions can lead to pain and stiffness in the joints.
What are the Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis progresses at different rates through the following four stages:
Stage 1: In the early stages of RA, you may experience symptoms like swelling, tenderness, and pain. At this stage, rheumatoid arthritis may not show up on an x-ray yet.
Stage 2: In this stage, joint damage may spread from the lining of the joints to the cartilage. You may experience a reduced range of motion.
Stage 3: In this stage, you may begin to see bone destruction and joint deformity.
Stage 4: In the final stage of RA, you may experience a more reduced range of motion and signs of severe damage in the organs and joints.
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Unlike other common types of arthritis like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may also cause flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms you may experience with rheumatoid arthritis include joint stiffness and pain for an hour or more in the morning. However, those with RA may still experience symptoms from pressure on the joints at any time of the day.
Those with rheumatoid arthritis may also experience fatigue and loss of appetite. In severe cases, some may also experience joint damage.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
Your primary healthcare provider may recommend additional tests if you show typical signs of rheumatoid arthritis, like joint pain and stiffness. First, a healthcare provider will perform a routine physical exam and ask about any additional symptoms you may be experiencing.
An x-ray can give them a better idea of any present joint damage. In some cases, a healthcare provider may also perform blood tests to check for inflammation and the presence of certain antibodies. Healthcare providers look for antibodies like rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide that are commonly associated with RA.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?
As with other forms of arthritis, you can prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by adopting lifestyle changes like regularly engaging in physical activity to keep the joints strong. However, be mindful about constantly putting pressure on your knees, wrists, and other joints often affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Because there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, those with RA require long-term treatment. A healthcare provider can prescribe the following medications to help you manage pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis:
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Corticosteroids
DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
Rituximab
Abatacept
Antimalarial medications
Healthcare providers recommend treating rheumatoid arthritis as soon as you experience symptoms. The earlier you treat symptoms, the more likely you are to delay severe symptoms of RA.
Other methods of treatment include physical therapy and surgery if needed. If you find yourself struggling with the mental toll of living with RA, a healthcare provider may also recommend joining an RA support group.
What are the side effects of rheumatoid arthritis treatment?
Some medications may weaken the immune system. It’s important to stay vigilant about getting sick while taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you experience any severe symptoms or have an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be potentially fatal if not treated.
Advancements in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
New advancements in rheumatoid arthritis include medications that target synovial T cells to support antibody production. Health experts are also enhancing how healthcare providers diagnose RA to prevent the progression of the condition more efficiently. For example, health experts are observing new developments in ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests to detect inflammation and structural changes in the joints sooner.
Where Can You Learn More About Living with Arthritis?
Arthritis flare-ups can pop up at the most inconvenient time when you have rheumatoid arthritis. The LifeMD+ membership offers accessible virtual care from the comfort of your home.
LifeMD+ members receive expert guidance from licensed healthcare providers, informational tools for improving overall health and nutrition, and access to joint pain medications for those who qualify. The LifeMD+ membership offers these benefits and more for the low price of just $19 a month.
Join today to get access to quality treatment for your arthritis pain.
LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.
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