Could I Have Ra and Not Know It?

Rheumatoid arthritis is often called a “silent disease.” Why? Unlike many other illnesses, you can't always tell when a person with RA is feeling their worst. That's just one of the things people with the condition want you to know, whether you're newly diagnosed with RA or someone close to you has it.

Can you have rheumatoid arthritis for years and not know it?

In a few people with RA -- about 5% to 10% -- the disease starts suddenly, and then they have no symptoms for many years, even decades. Symptoms that come and go. This happens to about 15% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. You may have periods of few or no problems that can last months between flare-ups.

Can rheumatoid arthritis go undetected?

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose RA in its early stages because symptoms can be very subtle and go undetected on X-rays or in blood tests.