Scroll down Support for living with RA We provide information and support services for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their families, friends, carers and health professionals. Join today What's Happening News, 14 Jul Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s Last month we brought you the news about the Draft Final decision from NICE regarding treatment of ‘moderate active’ RA with some advanced therapies and we’re now delighted to say that as of 14th July this is now Final Guidance. This is an incredible achievement after years of campaigning and has the potential to improve […] Event, on 13 Sep RA Awareness Week 2021 Get involved with RA Awareness Week 2021 from 13 – 18 September! News, 05 Jul NRAS launch the #DoThe20Challenge to celebrate 20 years To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we have launched #DoThe20Challenge, a fun way supporters can celebrate with us! There are a lot of ideas to get you started, anything that involves the number 20 – are you ready to take on the challenge? After being frustrated with the lack of information and support after her diagnosis, Ailsa Bosworth […] Get all the latest news and events straight to your inbox with our regular email. Don't worry, we won’t send you spam! Sign up About Rheumatoid Arthritis All our information on rheumatoid arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition. What is RA? → Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the symptoms such as pain and inflammation are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Symptoms of RA → RA is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the body all over. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and this can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. RA diagnosis and possible causes → RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. RA medication → RA is a very variable condition so, doctors do not start all patients in exactly the same way on the same drug regimen. RA healthcare → Read about the people involved in treating RA, best practice models for clinical practice and information on monitoring of RA. Search for resources Try searching our resource hub to find the articles, videos, tools and publications most helpful for you. I am… Employer Health Professional Someone with RASelect topic… About NRAS COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Family Planning Healthcare professionals Other Conditions RA Stories Research Self Care Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Publication Video Clear All Article The Frustrations of knowing the benefits of exercise and good sleep in inflammatory arthritis, when you can’t do it and sleep constantly evades you The Frustrations of knowing the benefits of exercise and good sleep in inflammatory arthritis, when you can’t do it and sleep constantly evades you Blog by Ailsa Bosworth MBE I’m normally a glass half full, optimistic person and I still am in spite of the rant I’m about to have! However, listening to Dr. Michael […] Article HCP Only – GRA physician registry: COVID-19 cases after vaccination The GRA physician registry is now focusing on patients who develop COVID-19 after their vaccination. If you have these patients, GRA would deeply appreciate if you could take a moment to enter their clinical information. We anticipate that it will take about 10 minutes per patient. You can use the same on-line physician registry portal to […] Article Guidance for lay executors A step by step guide 1. Get a copy of the Will and check it is valid Most people keep a copy of their Will at home or with their solicitors. It is important to check the Will you have is the most recent version. A solicitor will be able to advise if the Will is […] Article EULAR Recommendations on self-management in Inflammatory Arthritis For the last 2.5 years, our National Patient Champion, Ailsa Bosworth, has been the Convenor together with Consultant Rheumatologist (King’s), Elena Nikiphorou, of a EULAR Taskforce to develop recommendations on the implementation of strategies for health professionals in inflammatory arthritis. A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review […] Article Rheumatology consultations during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has seen organisations of all shapes, sizes and purposes, adapting to changes brought on by the virus. The National Health Service (NHS) is no different and has found itself undergoing dramatic changes, at pace, in its service provision. One of the major changes introduced very rapidly when the pandemic struck, was the move from […] Load more ↓ Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support NRAS, from holding a tea party to becoming a Member. Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by joining Join NRAS today and be part of our RA community. You are not alone. Help by volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA. Your Stories RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […] Click to close video modal Close Help support others Because of your generous donations, NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £3£8£15Other £18.74£41.44£165.75Other £50£100£500Other Donate now! NRAS in 2020 0 Calls answered 0 Publications sent out 0 People reached
What's Happening News, 14 Jul Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s Last month we brought you the news about the Draft Final decision from NICE regarding treatment of ‘moderate active’ RA with some advanced therapies and we’re now delighted to say that as of 14th July this is now Final Guidance. This is an incredible achievement after years of campaigning and has the potential to improve […] Event, on 13 Sep RA Awareness Week 2021 Get involved with RA Awareness Week 2021 from 13 – 18 September! News, 05 Jul NRAS launch the #DoThe20Challenge to celebrate 20 years To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we have launched #DoThe20Challenge, a fun way supporters can celebrate with us! There are a lot of ideas to get you started, anything that involves the number 20 – are you ready to take on the challenge? After being frustrated with the lack of information and support after her diagnosis, Ailsa Bosworth […] Get all the latest news and events straight to your inbox with our regular email. Don't worry, we won’t send you spam! Sign up
News, 14 Jul Biggest change to treatment of RA since the introduction of biologics in the early 2000s Last month we brought you the news about the Draft Final decision from NICE regarding treatment of ‘moderate active’ RA with some advanced therapies and we’re now delighted to say that as of 14th July this is now Final Guidance. This is an incredible achievement after years of campaigning and has the potential to improve […]
Event, on 13 Sep RA Awareness Week 2021 Get involved with RA Awareness Week 2021 from 13 – 18 September!
News, 05 Jul NRAS launch the #DoThe20Challenge to celebrate 20 years To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we have launched #DoThe20Challenge, a fun way supporters can celebrate with us! There are a lot of ideas to get you started, anything that involves the number 20 – are you ready to take on the challenge? After being frustrated with the lack of information and support after her diagnosis, Ailsa Bosworth […]
About Rheumatoid Arthritis All our information on rheumatoid arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition. What is RA? → Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the symptoms such as pain and inflammation are caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Symptoms of RA → RA is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the body all over. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and this can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. RA diagnosis and possible causes → RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. RA medication → RA is a very variable condition so, doctors do not start all patients in exactly the same way on the same drug regimen. RA healthcare → Read about the people involved in treating RA, best practice models for clinical practice and information on monitoring of RA.
Search for resources Try searching our resource hub to find the articles, videos, tools and publications most helpful for you. I am… Employer Health Professional Someone with RASelect topic… About NRAS COVID-19 Diagnosis and Monitoring Diet and Exercise Family Planning Healthcare professionals Other Conditions RA Stories Research Self Care Symptoms and Causes Treatment Work and BenefitsSelect resource type… Article Publication Video Clear All Article The Frustrations of knowing the benefits of exercise and good sleep in inflammatory arthritis, when you can’t do it and sleep constantly evades you The Frustrations of knowing the benefits of exercise and good sleep in inflammatory arthritis, when you can’t do it and sleep constantly evades you Blog by Ailsa Bosworth MBE I’m normally a glass half full, optimistic person and I still am in spite of the rant I’m about to have! However, listening to Dr. Michael […] Article HCP Only – GRA physician registry: COVID-19 cases after vaccination The GRA physician registry is now focusing on patients who develop COVID-19 after their vaccination. If you have these patients, GRA would deeply appreciate if you could take a moment to enter their clinical information. We anticipate that it will take about 10 minutes per patient. You can use the same on-line physician registry portal to […] Article Guidance for lay executors A step by step guide 1. Get a copy of the Will and check it is valid Most people keep a copy of their Will at home or with their solicitors. It is important to check the Will you have is the most recent version. A solicitor will be able to advise if the Will is […] Article EULAR Recommendations on self-management in Inflammatory Arthritis For the last 2.5 years, our National Patient Champion, Ailsa Bosworth, has been the Convenor together with Consultant Rheumatologist (King’s), Elena Nikiphorou, of a EULAR Taskforce to develop recommendations on the implementation of strategies for health professionals in inflammatory arthritis. A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review […] Article Rheumatology consultations during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has seen organisations of all shapes, sizes and purposes, adapting to changes brought on by the virus. The National Health Service (NHS) is no different and has found itself undergoing dramatic changes, at pace, in its service provision. One of the major changes introduced very rapidly when the pandemic struck, was the move from […] Load more ↓
Article The Frustrations of knowing the benefits of exercise and good sleep in inflammatory arthritis, when you can’t do it and sleep constantly evades you The Frustrations of knowing the benefits of exercise and good sleep in inflammatory arthritis, when you can’t do it and sleep constantly evades you Blog by Ailsa Bosworth MBE I’m normally a glass half full, optimistic person and I still am in spite of the rant I’m about to have! However, listening to Dr. Michael […]
Article HCP Only – GRA physician registry: COVID-19 cases after vaccination The GRA physician registry is now focusing on patients who develop COVID-19 after their vaccination. If you have these patients, GRA would deeply appreciate if you could take a moment to enter their clinical information. We anticipate that it will take about 10 minutes per patient. You can use the same on-line physician registry portal to […]
Article Guidance for lay executors A step by step guide 1. Get a copy of the Will and check it is valid Most people keep a copy of their Will at home or with their solicitors. It is important to check the Will you have is the most recent version. A solicitor will be able to advise if the Will is […]
Article EULAR Recommendations on self-management in Inflammatory Arthritis For the last 2.5 years, our National Patient Champion, Ailsa Bosworth, has been the Convenor together with Consultant Rheumatologist (King’s), Elena Nikiphorou, of a EULAR Taskforce to develop recommendations on the implementation of strategies for health professionals in inflammatory arthritis. A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review […]
Article Rheumatology consultations during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has seen organisations of all shapes, sizes and purposes, adapting to changes brought on by the virus. The National Health Service (NHS) is no different and has found itself undergoing dramatic changes, at pace, in its service provision. One of the major changes introduced very rapidly when the pandemic struck, was the move from […]
Get Involved There are many ways in which you can get involved to support NRAS, from holding a tea party to becoming a Member. Help by donating Donate today to change the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Help by fundraising We need your help to continue our work and there’s lots of ways to do so! Help by joining Join NRAS today and be part of our RA community. You are not alone. Help by volunteering Join our amazing team of volunteers and help us to raise the profile of RA.
Your Stories RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […] I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […] Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […] A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […] It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
RA can be life-changing, but you can be the one to change your life Becoming a mother, retraining, going self-employed and setting up an NRAS group. How NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh did all this after her RA diagnosis. To mark International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate inspirational women everywhere, women such as our very own amazing NRAS volunteer Sharon Branagh. “I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of […]
I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life I am 24 years old, and at aged 19, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of RA. Somehow I kept pushing forward, and now I absolutely love my life and everything about it! My name is Eleanor Farr – known as Ellie or Ell to my friends! I am 24 years […]
Why Major Jake P Baker stays ‘faithful in adversity’ Major Jake P Baker discusses a life in the army, his diagnosis of RA and how his healthcare team, family and NRAS have helped him through his journey with RA. I retired from the Army on 30th April 2013 after nearly 42 years’ service – man and boy. I enlisted 6 days after my 15th birthday, taking […]
A daughter’s letter to her father, who lives with RA Dear Dad, you took care of me within your strong arms until I could walk, then embraced me in hugs every day after, keeping our connection forever strong. You took care of me, and you still do, but I want to talk about the time where this case was inversed. To look back on when […]
It all started with a pain in my right wrist My RA is still in remission and I am able to enjoy activities like cycling and walking. Last August we had a family holiday in Wales and I managed to climb Snowdon – a real sense of achievement. I do still get some pain and swelling in my joints, especially my wrists and hands, but compared to where I […]
Help support others Because of your generous donations, NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £3£8£15Other £18.74£41.44£165.75Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!