Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Read more about rheumatoid arthritis →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the rheumatology wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
rheumatology waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust | Hackney | 3 weeks |
| Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Ashfield | 4 weeks |
| Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Barnsley | 4 weeks |
| Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust | Maidstone | 4 weeks |
| Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust | Portsmouth | 5 weeks |
| Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust | Surrey Heath | 5 weeks |
| Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust | Kingston upon Thames | 5 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 5 weeks |
About rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition where the immune system, which normally fights infection, attacks the lining of the joints by mistake. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness, often in the small joints of the hands and feet first, and usually on both sides of the body. The stiffness is typically worst in the morning and can last more than half an hour. Some people also feel tired or generally unwell. It is different from the common wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), and it can affect other parts of the body too.
How it is treated
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed from your symptoms, an examination and blood tests, sometimes with an ultrasound or X-ray of the joints. Getting the diagnosis and treatment started early is important, because early treatment can limit lasting joint damage, so prompt referral to a rheumatologist is the aim. The main treatment is medicine that calms the overactive immune system and slows the condition down, alongside anti-inflammatory medicine for symptoms and short courses of steroids for flare-ups. Support from a specialist team, including help to keep joints moving and stay active, is part of the plan.
Living with it
Rheumatoid arthritis is managed over the long term rather than cured, and most people have regular reviews and blood tests to keep the condition controlled and to check the medicines are suiting them. Symptoms can come and go in flare-ups, which the specialist team can help you manage. Staying active, keeping to a healthy weight and not smoking all help. With modern treatment started early, many people keep their symptoms well controlled and stay active. Contact your team if a joint becomes hot, very swollen and painful, especially with a fever.
Sources: NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.