In that case treating RA aggressively with medications may actually decrease cancer risk. I have no easy answer to your question. That's hard to say without seeing your X-rays or speaking with your physician. In evaluating the presence of arthritis, many physicians perform X-ray examinations of the joint. These X-rays provide information on the state of the soft tissues, cartilage and bone, and may allow diagnosis of specific joint diseases.
Cartilage is measured by the distance between the bones, or joint space.
For most forms of arthritis, X-rays show a joint space that is narrowed or small because of loss of cartilage. An enlargement of the joint space, therefore, suggests an increase, rather than a decrease, of cartilage. Without speaking to your physician and seeing your X-rays, I can't determine which, if either, of these situations applies to you. I would suggest clarifying this issue with your physician because it may determine the need for further evaluation or dictate the type of treatment you need. Once you have an idea about what's causing your pain you can take steps to ease it.