Treating rheumatoid arthritis may help you have fewer symptoms and feel a lot better. Still, that’s not the only goal of treatment. There are four stages of rheumatoid arthritis, and starting treatment early can help slow the progression. That way, you may be able to avoid or minimize the more serious joint damage that comes from advanced rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Navarro-Millan is a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis.
Chauhan, K, et al. (2023). Rheumatoid arthritis. StatPearls [Internet].
Cunha, CO, et al. (2012). Bilateral asymptomatic fibrous-ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report. Brazilian Dental Journal.
Donvito, T. (2018). The 4 stages of rheumatoid arthritis progression. CreakyJoints.
Freeman, J. (2018). RA progression: What are the signs of rheumatoid arthritis progression? Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.
Kaye, JJ, et al. (1987). Bony ankylosis in rheumatoid arthritis. Associations with longer duration and greater severity of disease. Investigative Radiology.
Lovering, C. (2023). The 4 stages and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Healthline.
UpToDate. (2023). Clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
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