If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the chronic inflammatory disorder that attacks joints, you should also keep an eye on your kidneys. Studies suggest that about one-quarter of people with RA will develop chronic kidney disease, which can increase your risk of other complications, such as heart disease.
Experts do not fully understand the link between kidney disease and RA. It may be that certain drugs used to treat RA, such as pain relievers, can be toxic to the kidneys. It’s also believed that the inflammation associated with RA may damage the kidneys directly.
Regardless of the reasoning behind the connection, it’s important to know the warning signs of kidney disease and take steps to keep your kidneys healthy.
Warning signs of kidney disease
Your kidneys filter your blood, removing waste and excess water, which becomes urine. If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys can’t function properly, causing waste to build up in your blood. That extra waste could make you feel sick. You may also develop anemia (low red blood cells), high blood pressure, weak bones, and poor health in general.
That’s why it’s important to look out for the following symptoms if you have RA, as they could be signs that you’re developing kidney disease:
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Swelling around your eyes, feet, and/or ankles
- Dry, itchy, or darkened skin
- Trouble sleeping and/or concentrating
- Urinating more often
- Shortness of breath
- Cramping, especially at night
- Weight loss
You’re also more likely to get chronic kidney disease if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of the condition.
Tips for keeping your kidneys healthy with RA
Early treatment is your best recourse against RA because it reduces your risk of complications, including kidney and heart disease. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about the right treatment options for you as soon as you’re diagnosed. Your HCP can track your kidney function with regular blood and urine tests.
In the meantime, here are other things you can do to lower your risk of developing kidney disease:
- Keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg.
- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Limit your salt intake to 2,000 mg daily (about 2/3 teaspoon).
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies, such as the Mediterranean diet.
- Prioritize getting regular physical activity.
Find a Doctor in your area to get the care you need today. And, don’t forget to bring these essential questions regarding RA to your next appointment.
Sources: Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid Arthrit... + 5
- Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Kidneys. Accessed March 27, 2026.
- National Kidney Foundation. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). September 11, 2023.
- National Kidney Foundation. 6 Ways to Help Improve Blood Pressure. May 19, 2022.
- Kidney Care UK. Focus on high blood pressure and kidney disease. December 6, 2023.
- International Society of Nephrology. KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease. March 2021.
- Arthritis Foundation. How to eat less salt. Accessed April 1, 2026.
