Rheumatic DiseaseInfo Center

RA: Early To Treat, Have Symptoms Beat
In the past, doctors started rheumatoid arthritis treatment with medications that mainly dealt with symptoms. Now, doctors start with medications that attack the disease itself, a tactic confirmed once again by a new study.
Skipping Out on Arthritis Meds
Some patients who worry about taking too much of a prescription medicine might not take their meds as prescribed, including arthritis patients. Not following the dose instructions has become a lot more common.
Options for Long-Term Lupus Patients
Having a chronic illness means managing it over time to reduce its effects. Patients with lupus who properly manage their disease may be able to reduce its long-term impact.
Lupus Rx In Utero Tied to Learning Issues
Azathioprine therapy for lupus is generally considered safe during pregnancy. But children exposed to azathioprine in the womb may be at higher risk of developing speech problems.
Attention to Autoimmune Arthritis Conditions
When autoimmune diseases and arthritis conditions are combined, autoimmune arthritis results.
More Pain, More to Gain from New Joints
With the aging population of baby boomers, the number of joint replacement procedures is rising steadily. But the risks and benefits of surgery might not be the same for every patient.
Faces of Arthritis in May
There's osteoarthritis. And rheumatoid arthritis. And infectious arthritis, childhood arthritis, Still's disease, lupus, Sjogren's disease and many more. In total, there are more than 100 kinds of arthritis.
Time for New Arthritis Med?
Inflamed, swollen joints with firm tissue bumps under the skin can send patients to their doctors for treatment. But certain factors make patients change their medicines before long.
RA Treatments Go Head-to-Head
Biologic medications are a newer form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. They are often prescribed in combination with other medications. But how do they work when given alone? And which one works best on its own?
Kids Get New Rx for Rare Arthritis
Patients with rare diseases often lack a variety of treatment options. Fortunately, children living with a rare form of arthritis appear to have a new option.