Rheumatoid Arthritis
A systemic inflammatory synovitis that can irreversibly damage joints and organs; refer persistent synovitis urgently and start specialist-led treat-to-target DMARD therapy early.
Definition
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease causing persistent synovitis, joint damage and extra-articular complications; early DMARD treatment and treat-to-target monitoring improve outcomes.
First principles
Rheumatoid arthritis is systemic inflammatory disease, not mechanical wear
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of synovial joints that typically affects the small joints of the hands and feet symmetrically, but any synovial joint and extra-articular organ can be involved. Persistent synovitis can cause radiological damage and functional impairment, so the clinical priority is early specialist assessment and disease modification rather than prolonged symptomatic treatment alone.
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