Clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis

The key to successful management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the early diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis and early referral for a specialist opinion. RA characteristically presents as a symmetrical polyarthritis predominantly affecting the small joints. Early referral enables early access to pharmacological and multidisciplinary team therapies, aimed to produce better outcome and prevention of complications. This article covers the diagnosis and assessment of RA.