While treatments such as medications and surgery help manage RA symptoms, there are things you can do at home as well.

Low-impact physical activity like walking or swimming helps to increase or maintain muscle strength around joints. Doing repetitive movements like deep bending at the knees can cause joint injuries, so avoid them as much as possible.

An anti-inflammatory diet (similar to the Mediterranean diet) might help reduce inflammation in joints and lower the risk of heart disease for people with RA. This includes unprocessed foods, fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and reduced sugar.

Maintain a healthy weight, which can decrease inflammation and pain, and if you smoke, try to quit.

While you may not be able to fully prevent RA, you can take steps to reduce the risk. By beginning treatment right away, you can decrease the long-term damage to joints and help control swelling and pain.