US Medical Term · conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Artritis Reumatoide
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Spanish (Español) | Artritis Reumatoide |
| Chinese (中文) | 類風濕性關節炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 류마티스 관절염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm khớp dạng thấp |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Rayumatoyid na Artritis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Artrite Reumatoide |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคข้ออักเสบรูมาตอยด์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 関節リウマチ |
What it means
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, it often affects joints symmetrically—both wrists, both knees—and can occur at any age. Over time it can damage cartilage and bone, leading to joint deformity. Fatigue and morning stiffness lasting over an hour are common. Treatment includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and physical therapy to slow joint damage and preserve function.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and my joints are very swollen in the morning.
Me diagnosticaron artritis reumatoide y mis articulaciones están muy inflamadas por la mañana.
I am currently taking methotrexate for my rheumatoid arthritis.
Actualmente estoy tomando metotrexato para mi artritis reumatoide.
I would like to see a rheumatologist to manage my rheumatoid arthritis.
Me gustaría consultar a un reumatólogo para manejar mi artritis reumatoide.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M05 Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factorRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026