Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is when your joints are stiff in the morning for at least 30 minutes. Your joints may be swollen, warm, and painful. RA usually begins in the fingers, hands, wrists, knees and ankles.

RA causes serious joint damage and disability. RA makes you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack.

What should I do to stay healthy?

• Start taking care of your RA as soon as you can


• Stay active: exercise or walk for 30 minutes a day


• Eat more foods with vitamin D and calcium like fish, low-fat milk, cheese or yogurt


• Get a pneumonia shot


• Get a flu shot every year


• Do not smoke


• Schedule regular doctor appointments.

Getting help (like medicine and physical therapy) early can keep your RA from getting worse. 

Ask your doctor…

If you need:

• X-rays and blood tests


• Medicine to keep your joints from getting worse


• To see a physical therapist


• To see an arthritis doctor (a rheumatologist)

Ask your doctor …

• For advice about:


• What exercises you can do


• What you can do for your cholesterol


• How to stop smoking