Rheumatoid arthritis

A long-term condition that can be managed with the right treatments to reduce discomfort and minimise flare-ups

Enquiries & Appointments

Michael hip arthritis recovery.jpg

About

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in multiple joints in your body. The symptoms usually affect your hands, feet and wrists. It is important that rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed early so that effective treatment can be given as soon as possible.

Need to know

Symptoms may include:

  • painful and swollen joints
  • stiffness
  • tiredness
Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms, discuss your medical history and perform a physical examination of your affected joints. To confirm a diagnosis they may carry out blood tests or take an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan of the affected joints.

Treatment options include:

  • over-the-counter painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • steroids
  • biologics, a new family of drugs specifically targeting molecules important in inflammation
  • in severe cases, surgery may be recommended; procedures include hip, knee and ankle replacements

Our Rheumatoid arthritis locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Lupus and Rheumatology Centre

London Lupus and Rheumatology Centre

1st Floor, St. Olaf House SE1 2PR London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.