Rheumatic DiseaseInfo Center

Arava Worked in the "Real World"
Arava ( leflunomide ) is one of the many drugs used to fight inflammation - a central feature of psoriatic arthritis. The drug may appear to work well in a research environment, but how does it fare in the "real world"?
Embracing the Brace
Knees are only meant to bend forward and backward. If a knee pops and locks up with major pain, something serious is going on there, and it's most likely an ACL injury.
To Switch or Not To Switch AS Drugs
No two patients with ankylosing spondylitis are exactly the same. As such, a drug treatment that works for one patient may not work for the other. When one drug isn't working out, patients may turn to another drug.
RA Drug May Keep Death at Bay
If your rheumatoid arthritis is cramping your ability to do simple daily tasks, medications may help. One arthritis drug may even protect against death.
Lower Death Risk in Heavier RA Patients?
Both rheumatoid arthritis and obesity can contribute to heart problems. But when the two conditions are combined, the picture may get a little foggier.
Lupus Drug Seems Safe for the Long Haul
Benlysta ( belimumab ) is the first drug in more than 50 years approved for adults with lupus. Studies have shown Benlysta to be an effective tool for fighting lupus. Now, research shows the drug may be safe for long-term use.
Misunderstanding Exercise for Knee Pain
If your knee hurts, exercise might not be on the top of your list of things to do. Nevertheless, staying physically active is a key part of managing knee pain.
Blood Clot Risk in RA
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that affects more than just your joints. It can spread throughout your body, even causing problems in the vessels that carry blood.
Heart and Diabetes Risks in Lupus
People with lupus are at risk of a variety of heart-related problems. So, researchers wanted to see what factors may lead to metabolic syndrome (a condition that boosts heart disease risk) in lupus patients.
Looking Into the Mirror With Lupus
Being a teenage girl can be rough. You're dealing with many changes to your body and increasing social pressures. It seems adding lupus to the mix may lead to more woes for teenage girls.