Key messages for patients

These key messages are not intended for direct dissemination to patients, but are provided for possible use by clinicians in discussing treatment options with patients who have RA. They may be incorporated into local patient information materials, an example of which is shown in annex 10.

• In RA joints become inflamed making them painful, swollen and stiff
• The cause of RA is unknown
• There is no single test to diagnose RA
• RA cannot be cured at present, but in many cases it can be controlled
• The progression of RA is different in each person
• RA can be treated - reducing pain, stiffness, swelling, and damage to joints
• The sooner RA is treated the better, the earlier treatment is started the less damage takes place in the joints, meaning less restriction on carrying out normal activities
• Treatment with DMARDs should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis
• DMARDs take several weeks to start working and should be continued indefinitely
• The treatment of RA requires input from a range of health professionals.