There are four risk factors for RA: 1. Genetics 2. Environmental 3. Hormonal 4. Lifestyle
RA symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, so many conditions must be ruled out. Some of these conditions include: 1. Other forms of arthritis 2. Lupus 3. Lyme disease 4. Gout 5. Fibromyalgia
Although rheumatoid arthritis is often a chronic disease, some patients can taper and discontinue medications and remain in long-term remission.