Chronic Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis

This research study is examining chronic pain in people with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — a condition where the immune system attacks the joints. Researchers want to understand how the nervous system processes pain using special sensitivity tests and, for some participants, brain MRI scans. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older and meet the diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis - Your joint symptoms have been present for 2 years or less - You have active joint inflammation - You can temporarily stop certain pain medications before study procedures if needed **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You take opioids regularly on a scheduled basis - You take prednisone at more than 10 mg/day routinely - You have nerve damage, circulation problems, or Raynaud's disease affecting your hands or feet - You have uncontrolled high blood pressure - For the MRI portion: you are pregnant, have severe claustrophobia, or have metal implants incompatible with MRI Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.