I clearly remember when I woke up one morning, and I could not make a fist. My hands like they did not belong to me (they felt stiff, swollen, and I had a pounding pain I've never had before.) At first, I thought maybe I slept wrong or I worked out too hard over the weekend. But then when the same thing happened 3 days in a row I knew something was wrong.

That was five years ago. Now, as I write this, I have hands that feel close to normal, due to a combination of treatments that took months to figure out, but eventually led me to take my life back. If you are reading this because you or someone you love is affected by rheumatoid arthritis, I want you to know something right away: hope. Real hope. Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.5 million Americans, but here is something I wish someone would have told me right from the beginning—every single person experiences RA differently. What works for your neighbor may not work for you, and that is okay. Finding a treatment that works best for you is like a puzzle, where some pieces come together immediately, while others take longer to find their place.

This is a comprehensive guide, covering topics ranging from the newest medications to really old remedies. I have spoken to dozens of people living with RA, spent countless hours reading about RA through researching scientific studies, and learned from some of the best rheumatologists in the country. You will find the information contained in this guide to be factual and medically sound; but all evidence aside, the contributions of the people I learned from like you, add a powerful new dimension to the knowledge found in this with real-life experience.

What's Really Happening in Your Body

Understanding rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding what your immune system is doing wrong. Think of your immune system as your body's security team. Normally, it protects you from infections and other threats. But in RA, something goes haywire and your security team starts attacking your own joints, treating healthy tissue like it's the enemy.

This isn't the same as osteoarthritis, which is basically wear-and-tear on your joints from years of use. RA is your own body turning against itself, which explains why it can affect people as young as 20 or 30, and why it often hits multiple joints at the same time, usually in a symmetrical pattern.

My friend Rachel described it perfectly: "It's like having tiny fires burning in my joints that my body keeps trying to put out by sending more and more firefighters. But the firefighters are making the problem worse instead of better."

That inflammation doesn't just stay in your joints, either. RA can affect your eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It's why you might feel exhausted all the time—your body is fighting a war against itself, and that takes enormous energy.

The morning stiffness that so many of us experience happens because inflammatory fluid builds up in your joints overnight. When you first wake up, your joints are essentially frozen in place until you move around enough to get that fluid circulating again.

Here's the crucial thing: catching RA early and treating it aggressively can prevent the joint damage that used to be considered inevitable. Twenty years ago, doctors would wait to see how bad things got before starting strong treatments. Now we know that's like waiting for a fire to spread before calling the fire department.

The Heavy Hitters: Disease-Modifying Drugs

When rheumatologists discuss the "best" treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, they are often referring to medications called DMARDs—disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. DMARDs do not simply mask pain; they actually slow or stop the disease process.

Methotrexate: The Gold Standard

Methotrexate has been the primary first treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for decades, and there is a reason for this—it works! About 70% of people who take methotrexate experience a substantial improvement. I will admit that I was a bit terrified after my rheumatologist mentioned methotrexate to me, because I had heard it was also a cancer treatment.

"The dose we use for RA is much, much lower than for cancer," Dr. Martinez explained during that first appointment. "We're using it to calm your immune system, not kill it."

I started methotrexate about six months after my diagnosis. I took it weekly, ingested folic acid to prevent side effects, and waited. I will admit, it took some patience—I didn't feel anything for a while. For me, the real improvement started around week eight and by three months, I was able to open jars without flinching.

The only caveat about methotrexate, is you will need routine monitoring. You will have blood tests every few months to ensure that your liver and kidneys are able to tolerate the medication. Most people are able to tolerate methotrexate just fine, but there are a small portion who experience some nausea or fatigue from the treatment the day afterwards.

Lisa, who I met in a support group, had a different experience. "Methotrexate helped my joints but made me feel sick every week. My doctor switched me to leflunomide, and that worked much better for me." That's the reality with RA treatment—sometimes it takes trying several options to find what works for your body.

Biologic Medications: The Game Changers

If traditional DMARDs were the first revolution in RA treatment, biologics were the second. These are lab-created proteins that target specific parts of your immune system with incredible precision.

The first biologic, etanercept, came out in 1998 and changed everything. Suddenly, people who hadn't responded to older treatments were getting dramatic relief. Since then, we've seen a whole parade of biologics, each targeting different inflammatory pathways.

TNF inhibitors like adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel) block tumor necrosis factor, one of the main drivers of inflammation in RA. Then came drugs that target other pathways—IL-6 inhibitors like tocilizumab (Actemra) and newer options like rituximab (Rituxan) that target specific immune cells.

Tom, a carpenter I know, tried several traditional drugs before his doctor suggested Humira. "Within three weeks of my first injection, I could grip my hammer without shooting pain up my arm. I went from barely being able to work to taking on kitchen renovations again."

The downside to biologics is cost and convenience. Without insurance, they can run $4,000 to $6,000 per month. Most require injections—some weekly, some every few weeks—or IV infusions. There's also a slightly higher risk of infections since you're suppressing part of your immune system.

JAK Inhibitors: The Pills That Act Like Biologics

The newest category of RA drugs works inside your cells to block multiple inflammatory signals at once. Unlike biologics, these are pills, which makes them more convenient for many people.

Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) was the first JAK inhibitor approved for RA, followed by baricitinib (Olumiant) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq). Clinical trials show they can be as effective as biologics but with the convenience of taking a pill twice a day instead of giving yourself injections.

My rheumatologist started me on baricitinib when my methotrexate stopped working as well after three years. "Think of it as hitting the pause button on several inflammatory pathways at once," she explained. The convenience factor was huge for me—no more planning my week around injection days.

Supporting Players: Other Medications That Help

While DMARDs do the main work of controlling RA, several other types of medications play important supporting roles.

Corticosteroids: Quick Relief with Caveats

Prednisone and other steroids can provide almost miraculous relief from RA symptoms. When I was having my worst flare two years ago, a short course of prednisone had me feeling human again within 48 hours. It was like someone had turned off the fire in my joints.

But steroids are a double-edged sword. Long-term use comes with serious side effects: bone loss, weight gain, diabetes risk, increased infections, and mood changes. Most rheumatologists use them strategically—short courses during flares, bridge therapy while waiting for other drugs to kick in, or very low doses for maintenance when other treatments aren't quite enough.

"I think of steroids like a fire extinguisher," my current rheumatologist told me. "They're incredibly effective for putting out the fire quickly, but you can't keep using them indefinitely without causing other problems."

Pain Relievers: Managing Day-to-Day Discomfort

NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and prescription options like celecoxib don't change your disease course, but they can make daily life more bearable while your other medications do their work.

The trick is using them smartly. Long-term NSAID use can cause stomach ulcers, kidney problems, and heart issues. I learned to take them with food and limit use to when I really needed them, not just out of habit.

Some people do better with topical NSAIDs—creams or gels you rub directly on painful joints. These can provide localized relief with fewer systemic side effects.

Natural Approaches That Actually Work

While medications form the backbone of good RA treatment, natural approaches can provide real additional benefits. The key is knowing which ones have solid evidence behind them.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Food as Medicine

Changing what you eat might be one of the most underused tools for managing RA. There's no single "RA diet," but certain eating patterns consistently reduce inflammation in the body.

The Mediterranean diet has the strongest research support. Rich in olive oil, fish, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and red meat, it naturally fights inflammation. A study published in 2018 found that people with RA who followed a Mediterranean diet for 12 weeks had significantly less morning stiffness and better physical function.

I gradually shifted toward Mediterranean-style eating after my diagnosis, not because anyone told me to, but because I was willing to try anything that might help. I started by adding salmon or sardines twice a week and switching from butter to olive oil. Then I began loading half my plate with vegetables at dinner and snacking on nuts instead of crackers.

Over about six months, I noticed less joint stiffness and more energy. When I mentioned this to my rheumatologist, she wasn't surprised. "Diet won't replace your medications, but it can definitely support what we're doing medically," she said.

Some people find specific foods seem to trigger flares. Common culprits include nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), gluten, and dairy, though this varies dramatically from person to person. The only way to know is careful observation or working with a dietitian to try an elimination diet.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

Counted among the treatments for RA that have the most compelling evidence in the natural space are fish oil supplements. Multiple studies indicate that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids are effective in reducing joint tenderness, morning stiffness, and the use of NSAIDs.

The caveat is that in order to obtain therapeutic doses, - usually 3 to 4 grams/day total EPA and DHA - you must use confusingly high doses, rather than the small dosages that typically appear in supplements at the drug store. This usually means taking multiple capsules each day or opting for a prescription formula that is higher potency.

At first I was skeptical about fish oil because I had tried it so many years ago without any significant difference noted. However, my rheumatologist recommended I use a specific dosage and high dose formula.

After 3 months, my morning stiffness was significantly better! It was not a miracle cure, but it really helped take the edge off.

Turmeric: The Golden Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin, the active chemical compound in turmeric, also has rather impressive anti-inflammatory properties. There are a number of clinical studies on curcumin demonstrating that it is effective at reducing the symptoms of RA when taken in supplement form, and some studies suggest that curcumin might even be as effective for pain relief as NSAIDs and without the irritability of some NSAIDs on the stomach.

The only problem with turmeric is absorption; curcumin has poor absorption on its own. Therefore, you want to choose a supplement that has piperine (black pepper extract) or a supplement formulated in a way to increase the bioavialability of curcumin. Therapeutic doses usually range from 500 to 1,000 mg of curcumin daily.

My friend Sarah is a fan of turmeric supplements. "I cook with fresh turmeric a lot, but the supplements seemed to help more with my joint pain," she told me. "I take with meals and have felt no stomach upset."

Movement and Exercise: The Medicine You Can't Skip

This might sound crazy when your joints hurt, but exercise is one of the most effective non-drug treatments for RA. The right kind of exercise can reduce pain, improve function, and actually slow joint damage.

The key is finding the sweet spot between too little and too much activity. Too little leads to stiffness and weakness; too much can trigger flares. This is where physical therapy becomes invaluable.

Water Exercise: Low Impact, High Benefit

Swimming and water-based exercise are particularly good for people with RA. The buoyancy supports your joints while allowing full range of motion. I started going to water aerobics classes specifically designed for people with arthritis, and it became one of my favorite parts of the week.

The warm water helps relax stiff joints, and you can modify the intensity based on how you're feeling that day. On my worst days, I might just walk back and forth in the shallow end. On better days, I can do more vigorous exercises.

Strength Training: Building Joint Support

Strong muscles help support and protect your joints. But traditional weightlifting might be too hard on inflamed joints, especially during flares.

I work with a physical therapist who understands RA to develop strength exercises I can do safely. We use resistance bands, light weights, and bodyweight exercises that strengthen muscles without stressing joints. The key is consistency—even 15 minutes every other day makes a difference.

Flexibility and Range of Motion

Keeping your joints moving through their full range of motion prevents stiffness and contractures. I do gentle stretching exercises every morning while my coffee is brewing. It's become such a habit that I hardly think about it anymore.

Yoga can be wonderful for RA, but stick to gentle, restorative styles rather than power yoga or hot yoga during flares. I found a yoga instructor who has experience with students with chronic conditions, and she's taught me modifications for poses that might be problematic.

Tai Chi: Moving Meditation

Tai Chi involves slow-flowing movements, breathing deeply, and meditation. There have been multiple studies demonstrating it can improve balance, reduce falls, and reduce arthritis pain.

I was initially skeptical about Tai Chi; it seemed too gentle and slow to be helpful. However, I took a beginner class and was amazed at how much it helped not only my joint stiffness, but my stress. The movements are low-impact, but challenging in their way.

Stress Management: Calming the Inflammatory Storm

Chronic stress is not only just awful, but it is also worsen RA by increasing inflammation in the body. Learning how to manage your stress is not just related to mental health; it is true medical treatment.

Meditation and Mindfulness

I used to think that meditation was only for people who had hours to just sit in silence. That couldn't be further from the truth. Even five minutes of concentrated breathing can help to break the stress response. A 2016 study studying RA, found that participants who went through an eight-week mindfulness program had less disease activity and stress hormones, plus an improved quality of life when compared to the ones who received regular medical care. I, started by using a meditation app that had guided sessions especially for chronic pain. I could barely sit still for the first few sessions because I was so aware of my joints discomfort.However, I eventually discovered ways to observe the pain, rather than fight against it—which somehow lessened the pain.

The Gift of Support Groups

Talking to other people who truly understood what I was going through was healing. I was reluctant to join a support group at first-I wanted to avoid the sick people because I was still getting used to thinking of myself as one of them.

But the RA support group I finally joined was one great part of my treatment. These people understood if I cancelled the plans at the last moment; they understood if I needed more time to get ready in the morning, or they just got that I sometimes felt angry with my body. Online support groups can help just as much, especially if in-person is not your preference or there isn't one around. Just be cautious of getting medical advice from other patients-it may have worked for them, but not necessarily for you.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies: More Than Western Medicine to Choose From

Many people with RA will also have success with using complementary and alternative therapies alongside conventional treatment. While the research varies from moderate to good, some therapies have been able to demonstrate some beneficial effects.

Acupuncture: An Ancient Practice and Modern Research

I was incredibly sceptical about acupuncture first—having needles put in me when I am already in pain didn't sound appealing. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that acupuncture is able to help reduce pain and improve function in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

After my insurance company first started paying for acupuncture, I decided to give it a try. I used a licensed acupuncturist who also had experience treating patients with arthritis. The needles were thinner than I expected and for the most part I didn't feel them go in.

After about six sessions I began to notice a considerable amount less of knee pain and I had improved sleep at night. I noted that I can't definitively say that it was related to acupuncture, but definitely something had me feeling better and more relaxed after each session.

Massage Therapy: Healing Touch

Regular massage helps with RA symptoms by improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. It won't change your disease course, but it can be a wonderful addition to your pain management toolkit.

Different types of massage work better for different people. Swedish massage uses long, gentle strokes and is good for overall relaxation. Deep tissue massage can help with muscle tension but might be too intense during flares.

I get a massage every two weeks when my budget allows it. My massage therapist understands RA and adjusts the pressure and techniques based on how I'm feeling that day. On flare days, she focuses on gentle relaxation. When I'm doing well, she can work on deeper muscle tension.

Working with Your Medical Team

The most effective RA treatment almost always involves collaboration between you and a team of healthcare professionals. Building strong relationships with the right people can make the difference between struggling daily and achieving remission.

Finding the Right Rheumatologist

Your rheumatologist is the quarterback of your RA care team. These doctors specialize in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and stay current with the latest treatment advances.

Finding the right rheumatologist can take some trial and error. I went through three different doctors before finding one who was the right fit. Look for someone who listens to your concerns, explains things clearly, involves you in treatment decisions, and respects your interest in complementary approaches while ensuring safety.

Don't be afraid to change doctors if the relationship isn't working. My second rheumatologist always seemed rushed and made me feel like my questions were inconvenient. My current doctor spends time explaining my lab results, asks about my quality of life beyond just joint counts, and has helped me find the right combination of treatments.

Building Your Extended Team

How your RA care team is made up may depend on your needs:

A physical therapist teaches muscle-strengthening exercises that do not stress joints, techniques for joint protection, and ways to modify how you perform activities to avoid strain as much as possible.

An occupational therapist is focused on helping you adapt your regular daily activities for better access. They may want to help you find some new assistive devices that may make your tasks easier to carry out. The occupational therapist taught me new ways to open jars, taught me guitar and keyboard techniques to limit strain when typing, and organized my kitchen items so I could limit reaching and lifting.

If you can find a registered dietitian who understands how to work with people with autoimmune conditions, they may help you to develop an eating plan that supports your treatment objectives.

A mental health counselor can help you with coping skills for living with a chronic illness, managing stress, and more aspects of the emotional journey of RA.

Communication Strategies That Work

Good communication with your healthcare team is very important. Here are some strategies I learned:

Maintain a symptom diary. I use an app on my smartphone to track my pain levels, feelings of stiffness, fatigue, and any triggers I have noticed. It helps my doctor to see patterns and trends when I discuss adjusting the treatment plan.

When preparing for appointments, write down your questions beforehand. I also take a list of all medications and supplements I take, including dosages and when I take them.

Be completely honest with your provider about taking your medications. If you are struggling with adherence, tell your doctor outright. If they don't know, they can't help.

Supplements and natural remedies: What is worth a try?

The supplement aisle in the pharmacy can feel overwhelming when you are looking for something to help relieve RA symptoms.Hundreds of products claim to alleviate inflammation and reduce joint pain, but which ones are based on good evidence?

Good Evidence Supplements:

1. Vitamin D deficiency is common among people with autoimmune diseases, and some evidence suggests that adequate vitamin D levels may reduce symptoms of RA. Most experts agree that maintaining vitamin D levels of 30-50 ng/mL in blood is ideal. If levels are low, supplementation is a good option.

I had a vitamin D level drawn with my routine blood work and was a bit low on levels despite taking a multi-vitamin. My doctor prescribed a higher dose and after getting my vitamin D levels back to normal, I felt my energy improve.

2. Probiotics have great potential for autoimmune diseases. There is so much DV evidence out there documenting the relationship between gut bacteria and our immune systems. Since the majority of your immune system is in your gut (around 70$), it's easy to understand that having a good balance of gut bacteria is important to help regulate our immune systems. Seek probiotics that offer multi-strain formulas with at least 10 billion CFU.

3. Green tea extract provides compounds known as polyphenols that demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. Some evidence suggests that regular intake may improve RA symptoms, although the evidence is still limited.

Mixed Evidence Supplements:

1. Boswellia, otherwise known as frankincense, has been used for inflammation throughout time and studies have shown mixed results, demonstrating little promise in its efficacy on symptoms.

2. Ginger, an anti-inflammatory vitality ingredient, does not demonstrate strong evidence for any clinically meaningful effects on pain with small sample sizes and duration of study. I add fresh ginger to smoothies and tea often enough and I say it can hurt orSAM-e demonstrated some benefits for joint symptoms in studies, but is costly and can interact with medications.

Things to watch out for:

Many herbal supplements can interact with RA medicines or unpredictably alter your immune system. This can particularly include:

Echinacea other immune "boosters" can possibly make autoimmune conditions worse by continuing to activate the immune system

Antioxidants in high-doses can interfere with some medications

Herbal combinations with undisclosed or proprietary ingredients.

As always, discuss supplements of any type with your rheumatologist before taking them, especially if you are taking any prescription medications.

Lifestyle Modifications That Matter

In addition to the specific treatments you may receive, there are lifestyle modifications that can impact your RA as well as quality of life.

Good Sleep: The cornerstone for healing.

Getting adequate sleep is key for managing RA, however many people struggle with sleep. Pain, side effects from medication and/or stress can all hamper restorative sleep.

Poor sleep doesn't just effectively tire you out, it can also increase inflammation, depress your pain threshold and can worsen depression and anxiety. I know this first hand - I was under stress from work and woke up every day with worsening joint pain, and my same medications were not working as well for me.

I made creating good habits for sleep a priority. I attempt to keep a regular bed-time, and wake-up time even on weekends. I have limited screen time prior to sleeping, getting rid of screens an hour before bed time. I also attempt not to drink caffeine after 2PM. If pain is preventing me from sleeping, I have found a warm bath prior to sleeping or a heating pad to loosen up my stiff joints are effective.

Joint Protection: Small Changes, Big Impact

Learning how to protect your joints when performing everyday tasks can help to delay damage done and the pain you experience. An occupational therapist taught me some fundamental principles of joint protection that became automatic:

Try to use larger and stronger joints when you can. For example, I am able to carry grocery bags with my forearms, rather than carrying with handles and gripping them with my fingers.

Try to avoid maintaining one position for too long. When I'm working on the computer, I set alarms reminding me to stand up and move about every 30 minutes.

Don't have pride using assistive devices! Jar openers, ergonomic kitchen gadgets, and utensils that have built-up handles, all make things immensely easier!

Try to take breaks during repetitive activities. When I am cleaning or gardening, I have learned to pace myself, and I try to rest when my joints are clearly stressed.

Work and Career Concerns

Many people with RA have concerns regarding their ability to work. Most people with RA will be able to sustain productive employments, as long as appropriate accommodations and treatments are taken into consideration, even if that looks a little different than before RA.

I have been fortunate to work for an understanding employer, who I realize may not exist for everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act has protections for people, and other laws exist to ensure that people with disabilities, here rheumatoid arthritis, have access to reasonable accommodations in the work environment.

Some of the more common accommodations at your work might be:

Flexible scheduling to accommodate morning stiffness,

Provided ergonomic equipment,

The ability to take breaks as required,

Possible modifications to duties during flares,

Working remotely when applicable.

Creating Your Personal Treatment Plan

With so many choices for treatment, how do you choose what you will take? First, discuss these choices with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your individual case.

Many things can influence treatment choices:

Of course, the nature and severity of your disease is hugely important. Mild early RA might respond to a traditional DMARD and lifestyle modifications, while severe and active disease might require a biologic or combination therapy.

Also, your age and general health matter. Younger people may be more apt to try newer medications that do not have long-term studies to support their safety. Older people with comorbidities may need to skip a certain treatment altogether.

Your lifestyle and preferences matter too! A busy professional might prefer 1 infusion once a month, instead of taking pills every day. Someone terrified of needles might avoid injectable biologics entirely, if they can.

Unfortunately, insurance coverage will often impact treatment choices you may have made otherwise. Collaborate with your healthcare team and pharmacist to find options that will work for you and are financially feasible.

The reality is that there is often trial and error to find an effective treatment and sometimes you will discover that what works for your good friend with RA does not work for you, and that is completely normal! What is important is to be patient, and work closely with your rheumatologist to optimize and modify your plan where needed.

Most prescribing practitioners will approach treatment for RA using a step-up approach; starting with treatments that are more economically viable and low-risk, and reserving biologics and other more aggressive treatments for later, if needed. Of course, if you have an aggressive or severe disease state, or evidence of joint damage, your physician may suggest starting with more intensive treatment right from the beginning.I went through several medication changes during the first two years of living with RA. The first medication that I got for treatment of my RA was methotrexate, and this worked well for a time. However, after about 3 years, methotrexate was no longer enough. After methotrexate alone, I introduced a biologic injection, which helped for a time, but another injection site reaction, in addition to the injections were the hardest to bear. Finally, a JAK inhibitor was introduced, a medication I felt was the first medication that provided stable control of RA symptoms.

Monitoring and Modifying

The success of RA treatment is very dependent on regular monitoring and modifications of the care plan over time. This usually consists of blood testing to assess the side effects, the disease activity, examination of the joints for swelling and range of motion, and sometimes imaging is done, to assess for evidence of joint damage.

You should be prepared to change the plan depending on to life situations, as eventually you will be have to consider more aggressive treatment for times of stress or seasonal change, or when you are aging. On the contrary, and for some, if they are in remission, medications can be moderated down.

Looking Ahead: treatments for RA

Treatment of RA is evolving at a rapid rate. Research is going on the development of new medications, improvement of the previous medications, and completely new treatment methods that may help to revolutionize long -term care over the next few decades.

Many different things are exciting:

Research is going on CAR-T cell therapy. CAR-T cell therapy is a type of treatment that has been successful in some forms of cancers, and for Autoimmunedisease, this involves reprogramming the immune cells of the patient to no longer attack and damage to underlying healthy tissue.Personalized medicine seeks to provide treatment tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, biomarkers or other factors. When this is advanced completely, we may be able to predict the most effective treatments for particular patients and a lot of trial and error may be eliminated.

There are new JAK inhibitors being developed that may be more selective with fewer side effects than the current options.

There are stem cell therapies being tested to see if they can repair damaged joints, however, this research is still in the early phases.

There are also research initiatives to identify those who are at a higher risk for developing RA before symptoms emerge so we can intervene and prevent them from developing the disease, or at least have a light version of it.

Taking Control of Your RA Journey

Living with rheumatoid arthritis is challenging, but it is not hopeless. Support options available today can provide some hope for controlling your symptoms, preventing damage to your joints, and maintaining an active and rich life.

The most important thing you can do is seize an active role in your care today. Be informed about anything new regarding available treatment, be open and honest with your healthcare team, and remember to speak up for your needs. Your RA journey is your own, and the plan should be yours.

Coping with RA effectively may take time and patience. You might come across the right combination of treatments, but at the same time, that combination may change in time. The important thing is progress rather than perfection. Celebrate the small victories as you go.

You can be optimistic - whether you are newly diagnosed or have lived with RA for years. You can actually take control of your condition instead of letting it control you with the right mix of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and support team.

RA may be part of your story, but it doesn't have to be the whole story. While the journey may require navigation and adjustments along the way, better days are certainly in the cards! With the right team and information available, there are definitely brighter days ahead.