Pain relievers are often the first medicine your doctor will recommend to help with pain.

They are a type of medication called a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug or DMARD for short ...

Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

DMARDs are used to treat inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

NSAIDs reduce inflammation, joint swelling and stiffness. They are often used to treat...

The most important step to living well with arthritis is to learn about your condition and its management.

Neck pain is pain that is felt in the upper part of the spine. It is sign that the joints, ...

Shoulder pain is pain that is felt in the shoulder area, at the top of the arm. It is a sign...

Low back pain is pain that is felt in the lower part of the spine. It is very common with...

Hip pain is more commonly due to osteoarthritis (OA), but can also occur if you have long-standing rheumatoid arthritis...

Any joint in your fingers, thumbs, knuckles and wrists can be affected by arthritis.

The knee is commonly affected by arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (OA), but it is also a common joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis

Any joint in your ankles, feet and toes can be affected by arthritis. Many different types ...

Arthritis can affect many areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders, back, wrists and hands, hips, knees, ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic health condition that can affect your physical health and your mental wellbeing

Fatigue is a feeling of both physical and mental tiredness. It is often described as ...

Already pregnant or just starting to think about pregnancy? Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and overwhelming times in most

Sometimes the physical and emotional symptoms associated with arthritis can affect relationships ...

A range of healthcare professionals may be involved in helping you manage your arthritis.

Fish oils are oils found in the tissues of fish. They contain a certain type of fat called ...

‘Complementary therapies’ are any treatments or therapies that are not part of the conventional

When you have arthritis, joint pain and weakness can make normal activities around the ...

Living with pain can be one of the hardest parts of having rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding pain and learning techniques that may...

Pain is usually a protective mechanism that alerts your brain when your body is being...

No diet has been proven by research to cure arthritis. Be very cautious of special diets or supplements that claim to cure arthritis ...

The first thing to do is to ask yourself: Why are you being active? Do you want to control your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, lose ...

Exercise can help you improve your health and fitness without hurting your joints.

Golf is a game loved and played by people of all ages. It provides a stimulating mental challenge, a healthy walk in pleasant ...

Walking. It's free, low risk and one of the most effective means of reducing the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis...

Group fitness classes that focus on cardiovascular conditioning include step-type classes, dance-based classes, water classes ...

Tai chi is an ancient, Chinese martial art form that is practised around the world as a type of gentle exercise. It involves smooth ...

Water exercise involves exercising in a pool, usually a heated, warm water pool, and may also be called ‘hydrotherapy’.

Strength training is a name for activities or exercises that build the strength of your muscles. Strength training involves working your ...

Physical activity and exercise is extremely important for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It can improve mobility and flexibility of

An introduction to the most common types of surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including tips on when to talk to your doctor about ...

Blood tests can be useful to help diagnose some, but not all, types of arthritis. Always discuss your blood test results with your doctor.

Read information about how to safely inject methotrexate, the steps to follow and the equipment you need.

Fatigue is a feeling of extreme physical or mental tiredness, or both. Most of us feel tired after a long day, but if you have ...

Raising a family is one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of life and having arthritis shouldn't stop you from experiencing it.

Early, aggressive treatment. The first strategy is to reduce or stop inflammation as quickly as possible – the earlier, the better.

Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment for most people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s run by physiotherapists, who are ...

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of different conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hydrotherapy differs ...

Pharmacists can help you to understand your medicines and how to take them safely and correctly.

Your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect you in many different ways, but your occupational therapist will help you with some of the ...

Psychologists can teach you ways to cope with any pain and difficult emotions you feel as a result of your arthritis.

Orthopaedic surgeons specialise in surgical treatments for problems caused by disease and injury (trauma) in the bones, joints and other...

Joint symptoms may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, a serious condition that can cause permanent joint damage if treatment is delayed.

Two of the simplest, least expensive methods to relieve your pain are heat and cold treatments.

Good sleep habits (also called good sleep hygiene) are things that you can do to give your child the best chance of a good refreshing sleep.

Lifting weights or resistance training offers numerous benefits to help manage arthritis pain. Exercise keeps muscles around affected joint

Are your RA symptoms affecting your sleep, or is your trouble sleeping making your symptoms worse? The answer may be both...

Studies show that as many as 80% of people with arthritis have difficulty sleeping. Whether you are having trouble entering dreamland,...

If you have arthritis, self-help devices can make tasks easier on your joints and more efficient for you. These products, which range...

Wrist and hand splints may be recommended for you if you need protection and support for painful, swollen or weak joints in your hands...

Please call our toll free National Arthritis Infoline number for information about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including self-management ...

Most couples – whether they have arthritis or not – go through phases in their relationship when their sex life is less exciting or ...

Finding the right professional for your needs is an important step to managing your arthritis condition.

To those familiar with fatigue, the idea that it’s simply ‘feeling a bit tired’ is something of an understatement. The extreme exhaustion...

Dozens of studies show that patients have better health outcomes when their doctors are effective, empathetic communicators.

Learn how your inflammatory disease and other factors may be causing your extreme tiredness.

Choosing a doctor is something we all need to do at different points in our lives. That's especially true when you're dealing with the pain

Caring for your emotional symptoms is an important part of arthritis care.

Click on to find a list of links to organisations around the world that help with issues relating to all types of arthritis.

You know that living with the pain, stiffness and fatigue of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as side effects of your medication, can...

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have concerns about exercising due to the fear of their condition worsening. However, exercise is

Having RA can have a negative effect on your mental health.

It’s hardly surprising that RA is linked with anxiety and depression. It’s tough living with regular pain and fatigue. It can affect

Click here to access downloadable resources relating to arthritis which may be useful to you, your patients and loved ones.

Leflunomide (brand names Arabloc, Arava) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Methotrexate (brand name Methoblastin or injectable methotrexate (Hospira, Methacord, Methotrexate Accord & Trexject) is a well-established,

Paracetamol is a common pain killer (analgesic). It can also lower raised body temperature (fever). It is used for relief of fever, headache

Our booklets provide comprehensive information on different types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as strategies for liv

Hydroxychloroquine is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Sulfasalazine (brand names Pyralin EN, Salazopyrin EN) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.

Infliximab belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs).

There are many resources available to help you live with rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may put you in touch with a social worker, who...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in joints. It is what is known as an auto-immune...

Tocilizumab (brand name Actemra) belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drug

Certolizumab (brand name Cimzia) belongs to a lass of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs

Etanercept (brand name Enbrel) is one of a group of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Adalimumab belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or or bDMARDs)

Rituximab (brand name Mabthera, Mabthera SC, Riximyo, Truxima)) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease-modifying...

Abatacept (brand name Orencia) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARD

Golimumab belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs).

If you have poor or disturbed sleep night after night, you may begin to notice your health getting worse. If you have rheumatoid arthritis

There are many things you can do to reduce the impact of fatigue. Start by working out the possible causes then talk to your healthcare team

Can trauma or stress trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis? Can worrying make the disease worse?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at particular points in your skin. The therapist may stimulate the needles manually, by heat (wi

Arthritis Today interviewed Suzie May, who authored the book Arthritis, Pregnancy and the Path to Parenthood. Here are some words of wisdom,

By taking an active role in understanding and treating your conditions, you will experience less pain and stay more active than those who fe

Here are three stories of people with RA living their lives to the fullest - meet Jamie Stelter, Aaron Sober and April Yazza.

Most people with arthritis wish to remain as independent as possible, so trying to find the right balance between providing help without be

If you know someone with arthritis, there may be many ways you could offer them your help. How that help will depend on how serious their ar

Baricitinib (brand name Olumiant®) is a tablet that belongs to a class of medicines called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors.

Tofacitinib (brand name: Xeljanz) belongs to a class of medicines called non-biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.

If medical therapy fails to control your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in one or more joints, surgery could be an option to help improve your ..

When you have knee or hip surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you can look forward to better mobility and function afterward.

It is challenging enough to talk about intimacy and sex with a spouse or longtime partner. But if you are single and have arthritis, it can

For each muscle group, tense for 10 seconds and release, taking a few deep breaths as you notice sensation that comes as those muscles relax

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience trouble sleeping. With painful, stiff and sometimes swollen joints, you may find

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain can feel like the glass is half empty. But negative thinking and expecting worse case scenarios

Soaking in warm water is one of the oldest forms of alternative therapy, and there’s good reason why this practice has stood the test of tim

Not all rheumatoid arthritis relief is found in the medicine cabinet. Here are some easy ways to relieve your pain.

What is the value of distraction in living with rheumatoid arthritis? Can it help cope with pain? With fatigue?

If you know someone with RA, you may try to sympathise or offer advice. But be aware that some sentiments may do more harm than good.

Find all the official videos published by Arthritis Australia on rheumatoid arthritis

Prednisolone and prednisone are hormones that are produced naturally in the body. They are necessary for normal working of the body.

The word "acupuncture" is derived from the Latin words "acus" (needle) and "punctura" (penetration). Acupuncture originated in China...

In the early stages, of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) you may not initially see any redness or feel any swelling in your joints, but you

You know that arthritis affects your joints. In addition to your painful, swollen joints your arthritis can sometimes affect other parts of

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imaging tests are used to look for signs of RA and to monitor the disease’s progression. These tests primarily...

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to help you to participate in activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists can help by..

You’ll need a thorough assessment of both the layout of your home and your own physical problems in order to choose the best stairlift for y

Getting the right shoes will make a difference for almost all foot problems and the importance of appropriate footwear should not be underes

Gardening is a really good form of exercise, but doing some actions over and over can lead to swelling (inflammation) and pain if you have a

A joint is where two or more bones meet and is made up of a number of different parts that all work together so that we can bend, stretch, t

Tips for every room in the house that you can easily apply to make everyday living with arthritis better and easier.

An outline of financial support that may be available to you.

You have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your joints are sore and stiff and you may be fatigued. So why am I being referred to a psychologist?

Your general practitioner (GP or local doctor) is usually your main provider of health care. He or she should be your first point of ...

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and medical treatment of joint, muscle and bone disorders. Your GP will...

Physiotherapists are part of a team of healthcare professionals who can help you to resume or maintain an active and independent life...

Occupational therapists (OT) can show you ways to make activities of daily living, such as cooking and showering, easier and provide...

Exercise physiologists specialise in designing and delivering safe and effective exercise programs for people with chronic medical...

Podiatrists specialise in conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. They may find ways to reduce the pain in your toes, knees or...

Rheumatology nurses are nurses with a specialist knowledge in arthritis. They can provide you with education, support and advice on your...

Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition. They provide advice about healthy eating, weight loss and diets...

Peer support groups give people with the same or a similar condition the chance to connect...

Why RA puts you at greater risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself?

During this time, it is normal to feel uncertain or anxious if you are living with an immune-mediated condition

Opioid medicines can be used to reduce some types of pain, such as acute pain and chronic pain caused by cancer. H

Upadacitinib is a medicine used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition where the body’s immune system...

Biologics are a type of medication that can be prescribed for some forms of inflammatory arthritis ...

Patient journey for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Symptoms, Healthcare provide visit, ...

Find ways where you can take part in to distract yourself from the pain caused by arthritis.

Co-designed with people living with RA, the Guide is intended to empower you to manage your condition, and navigate the health system.

Undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis is still...

If treatment is not taken early and quickly you can end up with serious joint damage.

Living with inflammatory arthritis can lead to many challenges. There are lots of secrets to...

The biggest breakthrough in rheumatology. They treat the disease rather than numb the symptoms.

Methotrexate attracts a lot of bad press due to the fact it is used in very high dosages for cancer treatment.

Once treatment is started, it is important for patients to maintain close contact with their general practitioner and their rheumatologist

Methotrexate is prescribed for a number of patients with rheumatic diseases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, even..

One of the problems with methotrexate is there are so many misconceptions about it

The most commonly used DMARD is methotrexate. It is important to note that the doses...

Even though arthritis may be a long-term disorder, we now have excellent treatment that...

There are several secrets to achieving really effective therapy in inflammatory diseases

Left untreated, inflammatory arthritis can cause irreversible joint damage, impair physical functions

It’s estimated nearly 4 million people in Australia live with a form of arthritis and ...

One of the really important early symptoms is of early morning stiffness, where people wake up

Whenever there’s unchecked systemic inflammation and typically that’s inflammation we can ...

Wendy shares some of her remarkable experiences living with rheumatoid arthritis.

While it can seem like a slow process, often that stepwise logical process of taking a ...

We don’t know what causes rheumatoid arthritis exactly. We know that it’s an abnormality ...

My role as a physiotherapist with inflammatory disease so with rheumatoid or with psoriatic...

You are the most important member of your healthcare team.

One of the key that I find as a general practitioner is to help a patient to accumulate ...

A GP is really important as part of your ongoing care. The GP can actually be the key if ...

Rheumatology I think was the first speciality to recognise the importance of the team...

The GP will usually refer you to a rheumatologist to confirm a diagnosis and for treatment.

It can be straight forward; they're referred to a rheumatologist immediately.

There are 120 different kinds of arthritis. How do GPs identify which condition a person has?

A GP will ask several questions to determine what kind of inflammation a patient may have.

In an age where so much information is available on the Internet; is it little wonder ...

Supplements can have a role to play. The trick is to understand which supplements are safe ...

Eat well. Live well. Be well. Is there really a diet that could cure arthritis?

These days more and more the role of the dietitian is that support role. With the knowledge...

This webinar by NPS MedicineWise (co-designed with the Australian Rheumatology Association and Arthritis Australia) reinforces the role ...

Low dose once weekly methotrexate is the gold standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other immune related diseases.

I know there’s an old saying that says, ‘when you’re going through hell, keep on going.’ You must do that because you might not be going thr

Why is the early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis so important? If people are experiencing these symptoms and have ongoing joint pain ...

Suzie always wanted to have children, despite the challenges of having rheumatoid arthritis.

Suzie, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, found the courage to have a second child after having her first.

If these conditions aren’t treated early, unfortunately the inflammation that occurs can really cause quite devastating joint damage.

In rheumatoid arthritis, patients will get hot and swollen joints very typically in the hands and wrists and knees and feet and ankles; agai

If rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated, in the majority of people it will continue to progress, so people will experience ongoing inflamm