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Overview
Early treatment protects joints.
Morning stiffness is common.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayRed, hot joint with fever.
See a doctor soonSwelling lasting weeks.
Causes
Causes include rheumatoid arthritis.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause same joints on both hands. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Rheumatoid arthritisSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints.
What you can do at home
- Stay active.
Medicines
Disease-modifying medicines.
At the doctor
Blood tests.
Questions you may be asked
- Joints
The exam
A joint exam.
Tests
- Blood tests
- X-rays
Prevention
Early care.
- Get checked
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.