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The autoimmune condition causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, usually in the hands, feet and wrists.

Its the second-most common form of arthritis, affecting one per cent of the UK population - approximately 690,000 people - and there are 20,000 new cases per year, according to The British Society for Rheumatology.

However, ground-breaking new research may have discovered a way to stop or reduce impact, and control its severity, by spotting and treating symptoms in the early stages.

The joint study by the University of Manchester and University of East Anglia found that patients who were prescribed drugs within the first six months of symptoms appearing had a significantly improved ability to walk, grip and dress themselves over the next 20 years, than others who were treated later.

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The study is one of a number of significant advances in knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis over the past 20 years.

Whats more, the researchers also found treating patients with the disease-modifying drugs - including sulfasalazine, methotrexate and steroids - also gave them a lower risk of dying once the disease was brought under control.

In their research, the study authors examined the cases of 602 patients with rheumatoid arthritis across two decades between 1990 to 2010.

Though there is a broad range in terms of how people are affected by the disease, the number of patients whose lives have improved has increased thanks in part to early treatment, says James Gwinnutt, first study author from The University of Manchester.

Early intervention has become more and more common in the NHS over these past 20 years. In the early 1990s early intervention would happen in about 30 per cent of cases. Nowadays, that figure is probably more like 60 to 70 per cent.

The study is one of a number of significant advances in knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis over the past 20 years.

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It is also encouraging to hear about the progress that has been made. This study confirms how important early diagnosis and the commencement of treatment is, says Dr Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK.

Its an incredibly painful condition that can be diagnosed at any age and have an impact on a persons everyday life.

The British Society for Rheumatology describes the first weeks and months following the onset of the disease as the window of opportunity, explaining treatment early in the disease - even within the first 12 weeks - can prevent damage to joints and other organs, improve long-term function, and increase the likelihood of achieving disease remission.

As well as making everyday tasks increasingly difficult, without adequate treatment the life expectancy for a suffer can be shortened by three to seven years and 10 to 15 years in severe cases.

Other research has highlighted a number of lifestyle factors that can reduce risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

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A study published this month in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease found a healthier diet when youre younger can reduce risk, particularly in women who experience an onset of the condition before the age of 55.

The researchers also found lowering BMI, increasing fatty acid intake and having a modest alcohol consumption has a positive effect.

Furthermore, getting enough vitamin D also helps by reduce inflammation, strengthen bone cartilage, and minimise pain and risk for disability in sufferers, according to another 2004 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

According to the NHS, its not known why the immune system attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, triggering rheumatoid arthritis, but those at increased risk are women, smokers and those with a family history of the condition.

While theres no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatments include long-term medication that can relieve symptoms, physiotherapy or occupational therapy to keep you mobile and surgery to correct joint problems that may develop.

Read more:
Rheumatoid arthritis cure: Symptoms halted by doing THIS (it could prevent joint damage) - Express.co.uk

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