Arthritis and Rheumatism
Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune joint conditions
What rheumatoid arthritis is
This is an inflammatory arthritis in which the immune system attacks the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, it typically causes stiffness lasting an hour or more in the morning, with small joints such as the fingers and wrists swelling and hurting on both sides. Early treatment is the key to preventing joint deformity, so it is important to be seen quickly if it is suspected.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-05
Which department to go to
Rheumatology is the specialist department. Diagnosis uses blood tests (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibody and so on) together with imaging. If there is no rheumatology department near you, you can start at orthopaedics or internal medicine and be referred.
Treatment and day-to-day care
- Taking anti-rheumatic drugs (methotrexate and others) steadily is the center of treatment
- If it is hard to control, treatment steps up to newer options such as biologics and JAK inhibitors (where the insurance criteria are met, the special cost-sharing program for serious illness (산정특례) applies, at 10%)
- Stopping the medicine on your own because the pain has gone leads to a relapse
- Quitting smoking is essential (smoking causes and worsens the disease)
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-05
Frequently asked questions
My rheumatoid factor is positive. Does that mean I have arthritis?
Rheumatoid factor can come back positive in healthy people and in other conditions too. The diagnosis is not made from one number; symptoms, examination and imaging are weighed together, so get a proper assessment at a rheumatology department.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-05)Last checked: 2026년 8월 5일
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