Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, there is no clear cause but genetics can make it more likely for one to have this disease. Things like gender, age, smoking, and weight can make one more suseptible to having this disease. 

After a patient shows the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, doctors may do a physical exam and provide lab tests to officially diagnose the disease. 

There are many different medications and strategies to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Patients are put on medications that prevent joint deformity and slow down the disease. These are called disease-modifying antirheumetic drugs. Patients also need to take action and can do things like watching their weight, staying active, and taking extra precaution to avoid injury to the joints to keep themselves healthy.