Information Our information section is where you’ll find all our information on RA, including what symptoms to expect, how it is diagnosed and treated and tools to you to cope with your RA. 01. Coronavirus and RA Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their families will be concerned about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects them. Here is a summary of all the important information that you need to know about Coronavirus and RA. Read more 02. 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. Read more 03. RA symptoms 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. However, it can also affect organs, soft tissue and cause widespread symptoms such as fatigue and flu-like symptoms. RA symptoms 04. RA diagnosis and possible causes RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. Around 50% of the cause of RA is genetic factors. The rest is made up of what’s referred to as ‘environmental’ factors, such as whether you smoke or are overweight. Read more 05. 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. The treatments given and the order they are tried on will depend on factors such as symptoms, the length of time you may have had the disease prior to diagnosis and test results. Read more 06. RA healthcare In this section, you will find articles on the people involved in treating RA, the ‘standards of care’ best practice models for clinical practice and information on the monitoring and management of RA from your healthcare team. Read more 07. Living with RA Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had RA for some time, there can still be a lot to understand about living with this disease. Hearing other people’s stories can help and you may also need specific information on topics such as work, benefits and pregnancy/parenthood. Read more 08. Managing your RA There is good evidence to show that self-management works to improve outcomes for people with conditions such as RA. Self-management takes on many forms, including changes to exercise, diet, smoker status and through the use of healthcare apps, including a number that NRAS has been involved in developing. Read more 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 Guidance for NRAS groups on resuming in-person events As the vaccine rollout continues, the UK government and devolved administrations have announced plans for a reduction in COVID-19 restrictions. We understand that many of you will be keen to arrange face-to-face events once again when this is possible and safe, while others will want to continue to meet virtually until you feel you can […] Article Disability benefits consortium The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 100 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system. As part of the DBC, we speak up for NRAS Members who rely on disability benefits. Article Patient Views Representative Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery and help by providing a listening ear, taking part in research projects, raising awareness of RA and JIA and their impact, providing administrative backup and much more! Article Prescription charges coalition England is the only nation of the United Kingdom in which people still pay prescription charges. For people living with RA, JIA and other long-term conditions, this can be a serious financial burden. If you have an experience you would like to share relating to prescription charges or would like to support this campaign, please […] Article RA and mental health It has been suggested that depression in rheumatoid arthritis is nearly three times that of the general population, yet it often goes undiagnosed. NRAS is calling for every rheumatology unit in the UK to ask people using their services about their mental health. Although rheumatology units in the UK recognise that providing psychological support to […] Load more ↓ Help support others Because of your generous donations NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by RA. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £3£8£15Other £18.74£41.44£165.75Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!
01. Coronavirus and RA Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their families will be concerned about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects them. Here is a summary of all the important information that you need to know about Coronavirus and RA. Read more
02. 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. Read more
03. RA symptoms 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. However, it can also affect organs, soft tissue and cause widespread symptoms such as fatigue and flu-like symptoms. RA symptoms
04. RA diagnosis and possible causes RA is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, scans and examination of the joints. Around 50% of the cause of RA is genetic factors. The rest is made up of what’s referred to as ‘environmental’ factors, such as whether you smoke or are overweight. Read more
05. 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. The treatments given and the order they are tried on will depend on factors such as symptoms, the length of time you may have had the disease prior to diagnosis and test results. Read more
06. RA healthcare In this section, you will find articles on the people involved in treating RA, the ‘standards of care’ best practice models for clinical practice and information on the monitoring and management of RA from your healthcare team. Read more
07. Living with RA Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had RA for some time, there can still be a lot to understand about living with this disease. Hearing other people’s stories can help and you may also need specific information on topics such as work, benefits and pregnancy/parenthood. Read more
08. Managing your RA There is good evidence to show that self-management works to improve outcomes for people with conditions such as RA. Self-management takes on many forms, including changes to exercise, diet, smoker status and through the use of healthcare apps, including a number that NRAS has been involved in developing. Read more
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 Guidance for NRAS groups on resuming in-person events As the vaccine rollout continues, the UK government and devolved administrations have announced plans for a reduction in COVID-19 restrictions. We understand that many of you will be keen to arrange face-to-face events once again when this is possible and safe, while others will want to continue to meet virtually until you feel you can […] Article Disability benefits consortium The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 100 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system. As part of the DBC, we speak up for NRAS Members who rely on disability benefits. Article Patient Views Representative Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery and help by providing a listening ear, taking part in research projects, raising awareness of RA and JIA and their impact, providing administrative backup and much more! Article Prescription charges coalition England is the only nation of the United Kingdom in which people still pay prescription charges. For people living with RA, JIA and other long-term conditions, this can be a serious financial burden. If you have an experience you would like to share relating to prescription charges or would like to support this campaign, please […] Article RA and mental health It has been suggested that depression in rheumatoid arthritis is nearly three times that of the general population, yet it often goes undiagnosed. NRAS is calling for every rheumatology unit in the UK to ask people using their services about their mental health. Although rheumatology units in the UK recognise that providing psychological support to […] Load more ↓
Article Guidance for NRAS groups on resuming in-person events As the vaccine rollout continues, the UK government and devolved administrations have announced plans for a reduction in COVID-19 restrictions. We understand that many of you will be keen to arrange face-to-face events once again when this is possible and safe, while others will want to continue to meet virtually until you feel you can […]
Article Disability benefits consortium The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is a national coalition of over 100 different charities and other organisations committed to working towards a fair benefits system. As part of the DBC, we speak up for NRAS Members who rely on disability benefits.
Article Patient Views Representative Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery and help by providing a listening ear, taking part in research projects, raising awareness of RA and JIA and their impact, providing administrative backup and much more!
Article Prescription charges coalition England is the only nation of the United Kingdom in which people still pay prescription charges. For people living with RA, JIA and other long-term conditions, this can be a serious financial burden. If you have an experience you would like to share relating to prescription charges or would like to support this campaign, please […]
Article RA and mental health It has been suggested that depression in rheumatoid arthritis is nearly three times that of the general population, yet it often goes undiagnosed. NRAS is calling for every rheumatology unit in the UK to ask people using their services about their mental health. Although rheumatology units in the UK recognise that providing psychological support to […]
Help support others Because of your generous donations NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by RA. MonthlySinglePay in Funds £3£8£15Other £18.74£41.44£165.75Other £50£100£500Other Donate now!