Navigating Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): 12 Things Not to Do and Potential Consequences if Remission is Not Achieved

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires a proactive and informed approach to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here are 12 things not to do when dealing with RA, along with potential consequences if achieving remission is not prioritized:

12 Things Not to Do with RA:

1. Ignoring Symptoms:
   • Consequence: Unmanaged inflammation can lead to progressive joint damage, deformities, and increased pain.
2. Neglecting Medication:
   • • • Consequence: Inconsistent or inadequate medication adherence may contribute to uncontrolled disease activity and increased disability.
   • Avoiding Regular Exercise:
     • Consequence: Lack of physical activity may exacerbate joint stiffness, weaken muscles, and contribute to overall functional decline.
   • Disregarding Dietary Considerations:
     • Consequence: Poor dietary choices can contribute to inflammation and may impact the effectiveness of RA management.
   • Neglecting Joint Protection:
     • Consequence: Failing to protect joints during daily activities may accelerate wear and tear, leading to increased pain and disability.
   • Ignoring Mental and Nutritional Health:
     • Consequence: Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression can intensify without proper attention to mental health.
   • Postponing Medical Check-ups:
     • Consequence: Delayed assessments may result in missed opportunities for early intervention and disease monitoring.
   • Overexerting During Flare-ups:
     • Consequence: Pushing through flare-ups can worsen symptoms, prolong recovery, and contribute to chronic pain.
   • Ignoring Fatigue:
     • Consequence: Unaddressed fatigue can impact daily functioning and overall quality of life.
   • Neglecting Self-Care:
     • Consequence: Failing to prioritize self-care practices may contribute to increased stress and worsened symptoms.
   • Avoiding Adequate Sleep:
     • Consequence: Sleep disturbances can exacerbate pain, fatigue, and overall discomfort associated with RA.
   • Disregarding Overall Health:
     • Consequence: Neglecting other health aspects can contribute to comorbidities and compromise overall well-being.

Potential Consequences if Remission is Not Achieved:

1. Uncontrolled Joint Damage:
   • Unmanaged inflammation leads to progressive joint damage, deformities, and increased pain.
2. Increased Disability:
   • Persistent neglect of RA management contributes to increased disability, affecting daily activities and independence.
3. Systemic Complications:
   • RA’s systemic nature can lead to complications like cardiovascular issues, lung problems, and other systemic manifestations.
4. Chronic Pain:
   • Unaddressed RA can lead to chronic pain, impacting daily activities and diminishing overall comfort.
5. Fatigue and Weakness:
   • Neglecting proper management exacerbates feelings of tiredness and weakness, impacting energy levels.
6. Emotional Impact:
   • Living with untreated RA contributes to emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
7. Increased Medication Requirements:
   • Aggressive disease progression may require higher doses or additional medications for effective management.
8. Joint Deformities:
   • Persistent inflammation and uncontrolled disease activity contribute to irreversible structural changes.
9. Compromised Joint Function:
   • Neglecting appropriate care compromises joint function, reducing range of motion and increasing stiffness.
10. Impact on Overall Health:
    • RA’s increased risk of comorbidities may contribute to a decline in overall health.

Conclusion: Prioritizing effective management of RA is essential for minimizing potential complications and optimizing overall health. By avoiding these 12 actions and working towards achieving remission, individuals with RA can enhance their quality of life and promote a healthier future. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance based on your specific health needs.

Read each of the 6 Rheumatoid Arthritis Subtypes.

6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA): 2 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Rheumatoid Vasculitis (JRV): 3 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Palindromic Rheumatism: 4 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD): 5 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Juvenile Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: 6 of 6 Subtypes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
And the Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Scale