All questions about Rheumatoid arthritis
Why not just steroids?
Steroids calm inflammation quickly, so they're used short-term, for flares or while other medicines start working. Long-term they cause side effects such as weight gain and bone thinning.
The full answer, with the sources, is in the guide.
Sources
- NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis, treatment
- NRAS: Managing RA symptoms and flares
- US National Institutes of Health (NIAMS): Rheumatoid arthritis
Reviewed 2026-11-09 · next review 2027-11-09