Remission means inflammatory arthritis activity has dropped low enough that a person has little or no joint pain or swelling, normal function, and near-normal inflammatory markers (CRP/ESR). UK rheumatology teams aim for remission — or at least low disease activity — using a 'treat to target' approach: measure activity every few months and step treatment up until targets are met. Achieving early remission protects joints from long-term damage and often lets people stay in work and normal life.
What is remission?
Remission: Remission means very low or absent disease activity, measured by symptoms and blood markers. In RA, drug-induced remission is now a realistic goal with early DMARDs. Medication is usually continued even during remission to prevent flares.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.