Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a destructive polyarthropathy characterized by synovial inflammation. It is often a debilitating illness with significant and irreversible joint damage occurring within the first few years, and around 40% of RA patients are registered disabled within 3 years. Recent developments in treatment, in particular with early use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), have dramatically improved prognosis. This article overviews the presentation and subsequent management of RA in primary care.
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