AIREDALE Hospital staff are raising awareness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

They are urging people to 'go behind the smile' to understand more about the condition.

Kelly Hayes-Head – clinical nurse specialist for rheumatology at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust – said RA was an "invisible" illness and as well as having to contend with the sometimes debilitating condition, sufferers could face scepticism from people who did not understand it.

She added: "Although there is no cure, there is lots that can be done to help.

"At Airedale we provide an early arthritis clinic where if referred with suspected RA, you will be seen as soon as possible and medication will be started promptly.

"We also offer group education sessions and have an excellent multi-disciplinary team including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and orthotics.

"We also have a dedicated advice line."

Early signs of RA include early-morning joint stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes and persistent swelling of one joint or more, particularly in the hands.

Anyone with possible symptoms is advised to see their GP as soon as possible, as early diagnosis can improve the response to treatment.