9 RA Facts That Will Surprise You

SPECIAL REPORT Monday, January 26, 2015 9 Surprising Facts About RA SHARE IT:

For decades, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was a puzzling disease that doctors could do little to slow down. Now, thanks to new information about what causes it — as well asadvances in treatment that can prevent joint damage — RA is highly treatable to the point where some people may not have symptoms. Here are some surprising facts about this autoimmune disorder that affects at least 1.3 million Americans: • RA isn't a disease of old age. RA most often develops between the ages of 40 and 60, but it can strike at any time. The average age of onset is 50, but RA can affect anyone at any age, from kids to 80-year-olds. • Treatment is often unknowingly delayed. Early treatment is critical to slowing the progression of RA and preventing long-term joint damage. Guidelines recommend starting treatment within six months after symptoms emerge, but that doesn't always happen because symptoms like joint pain and inflammation might be incorrectly blamed on aging or just ignored. Be aware of your joints and talk about any joint symptoms with your doctor. Get seven more surprising facts about RA. Learn more about treating and managing RA »