The ache of arthritis

Medical experts are calling for more effective care plans and better education about disease progression for rheumatoid arthritis patients, as nearly half of the patients believe their disease is not well-managed.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and, over time, loss of function in the joints, as well as overall fatigue and weakness. The disease can limit a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and activities.

According to a recent global RA patient survey, on average, patients in China experience symptoms for about two-and-a-half years before they are diagnosed with the disease by a healthcare provider. About 49 percent say their disease is not managed properly.