Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. This can result in several symptoms that interfere with daily activities, including:
- Pain
- Redness or discoloration
- Inflammation
Treatment for RA is crucial for alleviating symptoms and protecting your joints and organs from permanent damage.
Like other autoimmune conditions, RA is complex. However, there are strategies you can adopt to manage its various aspects and improve your quality of life.
13 Things to Know
- RA Can Be an Invisible Disease in the Early Stages You may need to explain your condition to loved ones. RA is driven by underlying inflammation, which can impact both your physical and emotional health, resulting in:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Stiffness
2. RA May Affect You Differently As You Age
A 2017 research review indicated that while RA is most common in women ages 25 to 45, it can develop in both males and females of any age.
Although RA is primarily characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints, the condition’s progression can vary as you age. These changes may be more significant if you were initially diagnosed in your 20s or 30s.
For example, as you get older, you might find that you:
- Need more time to complete daily tasks due to fatigue
- Experience forgetfulness more frequently
- Require more sleep, possibly going to bed earlier than you used to
- Need more rest after a day out
- Are losing weight, even if you’re not trying to
3. It’s Possible to Have Both RA and Lupus at the Same Time
Lupus is another type of autoimmune condition, and it is possible to have symptoms of both RA and lupus concurrently, a situation known as overlap syndrome. Both conditions share similar joint symptoms, but lupus can also cause additional issues, such as:
- Skin rashes or ulcers
- Kidney problems
- Decreased blood cells and platelets
Since both RA and lupus are inflammation-based, treatments may be similar. However, symptom patterns can vary; RA symptoms might improve while lupus symptoms flare up. Regular appointments with your doctor for exams and blood work are crucial, as lupus can be more challenging to diagnose.
4. It’s Also Possible to Have Fibromyalgia
Both fibromyalgia and RA share similar symptoms, including fatigue and pain. However, RA also causes joint pain and inflammation, and it can be treated with different classes of medications.
Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, may result in constant pain. While RA is a progressive autoimmune condition, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that doesn’t necessarily worsen over time.
Having RA can increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia. According to the Arthritis Foundation, researchers estimate that more than 20 to 30 percent of people with RA also have fibromyalgia.
Additional symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Headaches
- Depression or anxiety
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Sensitivity to changes in temperature, sound, and light
- Sleep deprivation
- Fatigue
While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, you can help manage your symptoms by:
- Getting enough deep sleep
- Managing stress
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation
5. Exercise Can Help with Pain Management
Regular exercise improves your overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging to start when you have RA-related pain.
However, exercise may aid in overall pain management when living with RA—especially once you establish a routine.
Consult your doctor if you’re new to exercise. You might begin with daily walks, gradually increasing the distance and speed.
Resistance and flexibility exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, can also help alleviate RA pain and improve mobility.
6. Rest Is Just as Important as Exercise
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends regular exercise but also emphasizes the importance of resting more during RA flare-ups.
Excessive exercise, especially during these flare-ups, can increase inflammation and exacerbate your symptoms. Regular rest can help alleviate fatigue.
It’s crucial to listen to your body. You might consider taking a rest day or opting for gentle yoga stretches instead of your usual workout if you’re:
- Feeling run down
- Feeling stiff
- Experiencing significant pain
7. Fatigue and ‘Brain Fog’ Are Real, but Manageable
Fatigue is a common symptom of RA and may also signal a new flare-up.
With RA-related fatigue, you may feel exhausted and weak during the day without necessarily feeling sleepy. Excessive fatigue can also make it harder to concentrate or recall information, leading to “brain fog.”
While fatigue may improve with treatment, it’s possible to experience this symptom long-term. You can help combat fatigue and brain fog by:
- Sticking to a regular sleep schedule at night
- Getting enough exercise during the day
- Eating a balanced diet
8. Stress Management Is Crucial
Stress can increase your risk of an RA flare-up and may exacerbate other conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
Regular exercise and relaxation techniques can help manage stress and reduce inflammation. It’s important to set aside time each day for yourself, whether it’s to:
- Take a short walk
- Meditate
- Listen to relaxing music
9. Know When to Seek Help from a Mental Health Professional
While occasional stress from RA is typical, prolonged experiences of the following could indicate a mental health condition:
- Anger
- Fear
- Hopelessness
- Sadness
If you don’t feel like yourself and have lost interest in activities you normally enjoy, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional for support.
10. Group Support Can Help
Sometimes, support from others outside your friends and family, who share similar experiences, can be invaluable.
Consider reaching out to an RA support group—either online or in person. Connecting with others can also boost your mental health by reducing feelings of isolation.
11. Weight Management May Reduce Symptoms and Disease Progression
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, obesity may increase the risk of RA progression. If necessary, losing weight can help decrease RA progression and alleviate your symptoms.
Weight loss can also help relieve pain in specific joints, particularly your:
- Back
- Hips
- Knees
Discuss with your doctor how a gradual weight loss plan may benefit you.
12. Protecting Your Heart Health Is Crucial with RA
RA’s inflammatory effects can extend to internal organs, including your heart and lungs. Regular evaluations of these organs should be an integral part of your RA management plan.
In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with RA. In addition to managing your RA, you can take other steps to lower your risk of heart disease, such as:
- Stabilizing your blood pressure
- Reducing your cholesterol levels
- Incorporating cardiovascular exercises into your fitness routine
- Eating a low-fat diet
- Quitting smoking
13. Remission Is Possible
The primary aim of RA treatment is to alleviate symptoms while halting the progression of the condition.
An early RA diagnosis and timely treatment with disease-modifying medications may lead to remission, potentially within the first few months of therapy.
When RA is in remission, you will experience fewer affected joints, along with reduced pain and inflammation.
During remission, your doctor will need to monitor your condition closely and adjust your medication as needed.