More than 350 people attended the 14.º Simposio de Artritis Reumatoide de la SER, where faster diagnosis and preventing joint damage before it leads to disability were basic themes. Around 20,000 new diagnoses are recorded in Spain each year.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1% of Spain's adult population, and more than 400,000 people live with the disease. Clinical estimates cited by Quirónsalud put prevalence at approximately 0.82% of adults, or more than 300,000 people. Other Spanish reports estimate the total at around 400,000.
The disease can appear at any age, from childhood to later life. Persistent pain and inflammation often affect the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and feet. The eyes, lungs and blood vessels can also be affected.
Quirónsalud notes that a normal blood test does not rule out rheumatoid arthritis. When clinical suspicion remains high, musculoskeletal ultrasound can reveal inflammation, joint fluid and tendon involvement.
The consequences can be serious for people who work, raise families or stay physically active.
Susana Romero, president of the Sociedad Española de Reumatología and head of Rheumatology at the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, says faster access to care and improved diagnostic tools have changed how treatment begins.
Biomarkers and imaging, including ultrasound and radiology, can help identify the disease sooner. Doctors also better understand its clinical and genetic features, which allows them to tailor decisions more closely to each patient.
New therapeutic targets have broadened those options. The basic goals are remission and preserved function. Quirónsalud says doctors increasingly combine blood tests with imaging, including X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI, to assess suspected disease and its effects.
Much depends on what happens before a patient sees a specialist. The SER considers training and coordination with primary care impressive. People with warning signs need an early referral.
Its awareness campaigns on immune-mediated rheumatic diseases include 'Siísmo'. The campaign challenges common myths and shows that suitable treatment can help many people continue activities that might otherwise seem impossible.
Tuasaude's patient information lists morning stiffness, pain and swelling in the small joints of the hands, wrists and feet as common early warning signs, often with a symmetrical pattern. It advises people to seek assessment before persistent inflammation causes disabling pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis also carries a large economic burden. Its chronic nature brings healthcare and pharmaceutical costs, while sick leave and reduced quality of life add indirect losses.
Spain's sleep disorder shows how chronic symptoms can affect daily life even when they go unnoticed. The condition is discussed in coverage of Spain's wider burden of chronic disease.
Héctor Corominas led the local organising committee of the symposium and heads Rheumatology at Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona. He describes a field moving towards precision medicine.
Available therapies give doctors more options, and they can tailor treatment decisions to each patient's characteristics and needs.
Biomarkers support diagnosis and can help identify patients with factors linked to a worse prognosis. Doctors can use that information to plan monitoring and adjust treatment. Follow-up no longer has to follow one standard path.
Care teams are changing too. Rheumatoid arthritis units with trained medical and nursing staff are being developed in close collaboration with Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Traumatology.
Interstitial lung disease committees bring together Rheumatology, Pneumology and Radiology. Immunology, Genetics and Anatomical Pathology can also help define biological patterns and identify new biomarkers.
Delia Reina heads Rheumatology at Hospital de Sant Joan Despí Moisés Broggi in Barcelona. She says follow-up now takes a closer look at the whole patient.
The assessment covers cardiovascular risk and bone health, as well as fatigue, emotional wellbeing, physical activity and nutrition. It also considers the effects on work and social life. Patients are taking a more active role from diagnosis onwards and have a greater say in decisions about their care.
Gender matters. Many patients are women of working age, and their disease may interact with hormonal, biological, genetic and social factors during pregnancy, the post-partum period or menopause. Social and cultural circumstances can also shape the effects of pain, fatigue and emotional strain.
October is dedicated to rheumatic diseases. International Day of Rheumatoid Arthritis falls on 12 October.
The timing draws attention to the fact that rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age and reach beyond the joints. Tobacco is identified as the leading environmental factor among influences that interact with a complex genetic background.
A 2 October 2026 report by La Provincia again highlighted early stiffness, swelling and persistent symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes, lungs and blood vessels as well as the joints. Early control of inflammation may lower the risk of wider complications.
The evidence presented by the SER points to the value of early referral: it gives doctors a chance to prevent damage. Multidisciplinary care and patient involvement shape how well treatment protects physical function and daily life. Spain's progress depends on how quickly the right patient reaches the right therapy.
