#Day6 RA is systemic. Don’t forget: 🫁 Interstitial lung disease 🫀 Increased CV risk 👁 Scleritis 🩸 Anemia of chronic disease Inflammation affects more than joints. #Rheumatology #NowYouKnowIt

#Day7 Elevated ESR/CRP help — but normal labs do NOT exclude RA. Clinical synovitis is key. Swelling > tenderness alone. #Rheumatology #IMPearls

#Day8 #RheumatoidArthritis Early DMARD therapy within 3–6 months dramatically reduces joint damage. Delays = irreversible erosions. Refer early. Treat early. #PrimaryCare #RA #TreatToTarget

#Day9 #RheumatoidArthritisSeries Methotrexate = anchor drug for RA. Weekly dosing. Add folic acid. Monitor LFTs & CBC. Avoid with active severe infections. #Rheumatology #IM #NowYouKnowIt

#Day10 Rheumatoid arthritis = systemic inflammation. And systemic inflammation drives atherosclerosis. MI and stroke risk in RA ≈ diabetes. Control disease activity. Check lipids. Treat aggressively. RA is a cardiovascular disease modifier. #InternalMedicine #PrimaryCare

#Day11 Flare management: Prednisone is a bridge — not a destination. Use lowest dose, shortest duration. Steroids control symptoms. DMARDs control disease. #RheumTips

#Day12 Tight control strategy: #TreatToTarget Goal = remission or low disease activity. Measure DAS28 or CDAI regularly. RA care should be proactive, not reactive. #Rheumatology #RheumatoidArthritis

#Day13 Biologics options: • TNF inhibitors • IL-6 inhibitors • CTLA-4 (abatacept) • B-cell depletion (rituximab) Choose based on patient profile. Personalized rheumatology. #RA #RheumEducation

#Day14 This is very important Before biologics: ✔ TB screening ✔ Hep B screening ✔ Vaccination review #Shingrix #Influenza #RSV (Age Appropriate ) Prevent complications before they happen. #PrimaryCare #IM

#Day15 Vaccines in RA: ✅ Shingrix (non-live) ✅ Flu ✅ Pneumococcal Avoid live vaccines while on biologics. #Rheumatology #Prevention

#Day16 RA deformities: • Ulnar deviation • Swan neck • Boutonnière -> Preventable with early treatment. -> Old images should be rare in modern care. #MedEd

#Day17 #Fatigue #SecondaryFibromyalgia Fatigue in RA is real. It’s inflammatory. It’s disabling. It’s often under-recognized. Treat disease activity first. #PatientEducation #RA

#Day19 #RheumatoidArthritis+ #Pregnancy Plan ahead. Safe options include hydroxychloroquine & certolizumab. Methotrexate is contraindicated. Coordinate with OB. #Rheumatology #WomensHealth

#Day19 #StopSmoking #QuitSmoking #RheumatoidArthritisAwareness Smoking increases RA risk AND reduces response to therapy. Smoking cessation is part of RA treatment. #PreventiveMedicine

#Day20 #RheumatoidNodules Think high RF titers. Check for lung involvement. Not just cosmetic findings. #RheumatologyPearls

#Day21 Rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly : RA can present subtly in older adults. Don’t dismiss symmetric wrist swelling as “just aging.” Inflammatory arthritis exists at every age. #InternalMedicine

#Day22 Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed with your hands first, labs second. A careful physical exam can reveal: • Symmetric MCP & PIP swelling • Morning stiffness clues • Tender joint counts • Early deformities (ulnar deviation, boutonnière) Before RF or anti-CCP return,

#Day23 #DifficultToTreatRA Not responding to first biologic? Switch mechanism — not just another TNF. Strategic escalation improves outcomes. #Rheumatology

#Day24 Anemia in rheumatoid arthritis happens due to chronic inflammation = Anemia of chronic disease. But always rule out: • Iron deficiency • GI blood loss Especially if on NSAIDs. #IM #Hematology

#Day25 Chronic inflammation melts away your bones Bone health in RA matters. Chronic inflammation + steroids = osteoporosis risk. DEXA screening is essential. #Rheumatology #ChronicInflammation #Osteoporosis