Question: My mother had rheumatoid arthritis and I’m worried I might get it, too. Is it hereditary, and is there anything I can do to prevent it?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Rheumatoid arthritis is genetically inherited. There is no known preventive method, but aggressive management is available to retard the terrible joint destruction and other problems that disable patients with this disorder.

Newer immune treatments actually combat he progression of this disorder and place many into an extended remission. This is a condition you do not want to delay, in terms of diagnosis or treatment, for any reason.