Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure – but researchers are homing in on preventing it

New research could allow health care providers to identify and treat patients at risk for rheumatoid arthritis before the disease progresses.

By: Kevin Deane, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 23, 2026

Words: 1,401

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Kevin Deane, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

More than 18 million people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, including nearly 1.5 million Americans.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory form of arthritis, meaning a person’s immune system attacks their joints, causing substantial inflammation. This inflammation can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, and in many cases, patients report fatigue and a flu-like feeling.

If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead …

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