Facts & Statistics

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with no known cause or cure.
• Approximately 1.3 million Americans have RA.
• Two to three times more women than men have RA.
• Onset usually occurs between 20 and 60 years of age with incidence increasing with age.
• Possible RA risk factors include genetics, environment (bacteria or virus), hormone levels and/or stress.
• RA often begins with morning stiffness and fatigue, progressing over weeks or months to joint swelling and pain.
• Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential to slow progression of the disease and delay loss of function.
• Treatment often includes a combination of medication and possibly surgery.
• Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the most common cause of disability in the United States.