Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answered: How are the side effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) minimized?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:43:41 +0000

To minimize side effects, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are sometimes started one at a time and increased gradually. The goal is to minimize both rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and medication side effects. It often takes more than one DMARD to get control of active rheumatoid arthritis.

Answered: How are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:43:15 +0000

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often used if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) don't provide enough relief. DMARDs may keep juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) from getting worse, but because they take weeks or months to relieve symptoms, they’re often taken with an NSAID. Methotrexate is usually the main DMARD doctors prescribe for JRA.

Answered: How do you know you're on the right regiment of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:42:29 +0000

How do you know you're on the "right" regimen? There's no easy way. Rheumatologists use all their training and experience to determine what's right for you.

Answered: What are common side effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:41:56 +0000

Because disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) work throughout the body to fight rheumatic arthritis (RA), their powerful action typically does cause some side effects, commonly:

Stomach upset. DMARDs sometimes cause nausea, sometimes with vomiting, or diarrhea. Other medicines can help treat these symptoms, or they often improve as you get used to the drug. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable to tolerate, your rheumatologist will try a different medication.
Liver problems. These are less common than stomach upset. Your doctor will check blood tests on a regular basis to make sure your liver is not being harmed.
Blood problems. DMARDs can affect the immune system and raise the risk of infection. Infection-fighting white blood cells may also be decreased. Low red blood cells (anemia) can make you tired more easily. A simple blood test by your doctor every so often will make sure your blood counts are high enough. You should learn about possible side effects of any medicine you are taking and discuss them with your doctor until you feel comfortable.

Answered: Are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) safe to use for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:41:30 +0000

The FDA has approved all disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Many people take them without ever having problems.

Answered: How do disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) work to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:41:07 +0000

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) act on the immune system to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is why they are called "disease-modifying." Many different drugs can be used as DMARDs in the treatment of RA, but some are used more often than others

Answered: What are common risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:37:42 +0000

Your lifestyle, weight, and stress level may all raise your chances for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.

Answered: How are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:37:09 +0000

Doctors make the fibromyalgia diagnosis if you have widespread pain that's not from another medical condition for more than 3 months. Because its symptoms overlap with other conditions, it's often hard to spot.

Answered: How is lupus treated?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:35:35 +0000

Lupus treatments can vary from person to person as much as its symptoms do. NSAIDs may be the first thing you try if your joints are the main problem.

Approved drugs for lupus include corticosteroids. These are powerful drugs and you should take the lowest dose needed for your symptoms. Your doctor likely will prescribe an antimalarial drug.

You doctor may also want you to try drugs used for RA, such as DMARDs like methotrexate.

Answered: Does sleep help if you have RA or fibromyalgia?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:34:46 +0000

A good night's rest may help ease fibromyalgia and RA symptoms. To improve your sleep, try to go to bed and get up at around the same time each day. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evenings. Before bedtime, unwind with a relaxing activity, such as taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music.

Answered: What are key differences of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:34:21 +0000

Many fibromyalgia symptoms are like those of RA. But there are some key differences:

RA causes inflammation in the joints. The pain can come and go. With fibromyalgia, the ache is constant, and it happens all over your body. You feel dull pain that lasts at least 3 months.
With fibromyalgia, you often feel tenderness when someone touches you. It can also hurt to sit for 45 minutes.

Answered: Does rheumatoid arthritis make you more likely to get infections?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:32:28 +0000

RA medications like biologics and steroids slow down your immune system. While they ease joint pain and swelling, it’s harder for you to fight off bugs like the flu. RA makes you more likely to get an infection just because the disease wears down your immune system.

Mild fever is also one sign of an RA flare. That’s when inflammation gets out of control. If it gets too high, your doctor will check for infection.

Answered: What's the link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:30:31 +0000

RA and diabetes are very different diseases. But if you have RA, it raises your risk for diabetes by about 50%. And diabetes raises your chances of having arthritis, including RA and arthritis-related issues, by about 20%. Experts aren’t sure what’s behind the link, but reasons might include:

Research suggests that some people tend to have more than one autoimmune disease. This may be partly due to genetics. And scientists have identified a gene that raises the risk for both type 1 diabetes and RA.

RA and type 1 diabetes are both autoimmune diseases. That’s when your body turns against itself and attacks healthy cells. RA attacks the joints. Type 1 diabetes targets the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that helps your body process blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and makes up less than 5% of all diabetes cases.

Answered: What do you need to know about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:29:55 +0000

Rheumatoid arthritis can have many different symptoms. The most common are stiff, painful joints and fatigue.

But this disease causes inflammation in many body parts, so you may have symptoms that you don’t realize are related to RA. Some are signs of serious complications that put your organs, or even your life, at risk.

Call your doctor right away if you think you're having symptoms.

Answered: What causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:29:22 +0000

RA runs in families. If you have a close relative with the disease, your chances of having it are higher. Women are more likely than men to get RA. Usually the symptoms start between ages 40 and 60.

PsA also runs in families. Certain genes may be linked to the condition. Compared to RA, PsA often starts at a younger age, between 30 and 50.

Researchers don't know exactly what triggers either type of arthritis. But they think it probably comes from a mix of genes and other factors, including hormones and bacterial or viral infections that may send the immune system into overdrive.

Answered: How does regular exercise help me manage fatigue with rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:28:13 +0000

Get regular exercise. The last thing you may want to do is work out. But activity lowers fatigue if you have RA. Simple things like a daily walk or a swim can build stronger muscles and soothe achy joints. Try to do something, even if you just stretch, even on days when you’re really tired.

Yoga and tai chi are two gentle activities that help ease fatigue and lower stress that can keep you awake.

Answered: How can a sleep routine help me manage fatigue with rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:27:20 +0000

Stick to a sleep routine. Good habits help you get enough rest so you feel less fatigue the next day. Go to bed at the same time each night. Get up at the same time each morning. Cut back on caffeine, alcoholic drinks, and nicotine. All of these can disrupt your sleep.

Fight the urge to take an afternoon nap. Sleeping during the day can make it harder for you to nod off at night. When it’s time for lights out, turn off devices like your smartphone or tablet. You’ll rest better in a dark, quiet room.

Answered: How does eating the right food help me manage fatigue with rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:26:28 +0000

Fuel up with the right foods. Choose fresh, whole items like fruits and veggies, lean protein, dairy products, and healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like nuts and cold-water fish, help ease fatigue by reducing inflammation.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast, even if you wake up tired. Choose foods that are rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein. A bowl of high-fiber cereal, fresh fruit, and low-fat milk can give you more energy for the rest of your day.

Answered: Why are steroids injected to treat arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:23:53 +0000

Injecting steroids into one or two areas of inflammation allows doctors to deliver a high dose of the drug directly to the problem area. When doctors give steroids by mouth or IV, they cannot be sure an adequate amount will eventually reach the problem area. In addition, the risk of side effects is much higher with oral or IV steroids.

Answered: Can you exercise if you have rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:22:19 +0000

Being active is one of the best things you can do for yourself, even if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). You just have to know how to work within your limits. Your doctor or a physical therapist can help you with that. When you make fitness a regular part of your life, the benefits include:

Less pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
Stronger bones. This is important because RA can thin your bones, especially if you take steroids.
You’ll move better and have more energy.
It’s good for your heart and all your other muscles.

Answered: Can supplements be used to help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:21:40 +0000

A few rheumatoid arthritis studies show some benefit for certain supplements and natural remedies, but the research is still in its early stages, so the bottom line isn’t clear yet.

Keep in mind that supplements can affect other medications. Tell your doctor about anything you take, even if it’s natural, so he can check that it’s safe for you.

Answered: How can deep breathing help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:21:04 +0000

Take slow breaths from your belly. It can calm you and pull you back from stress.

Answered: What types of medical professionals can help me exercise with rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:17:40 +0000

Physical therapists (PT) and occupational therapists (OT) can teach you how to stay active in a way that both helps and protects your joints. Ask your doctor about seeing someone who specializes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Answered: Where do rheumatoid nodules show up?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:17:08 +0000

They often show up in: Hands
Fingers
Knuckles
Elbows They can form on the vocal cords, too, which causes hoarseness. You can also get them in your lungs, heart, and other organs, which can affect how these parts of your body work.

Answered: Does rheumatoid arthritis affect more than one joint?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:16:28 +0000

The condition usually affects more than one joint and mirrors both sides of the body. For instance, you might have it in both wrists.

Answered: How are corticosteroids used to treat juvenile arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:14:00 +0000

Corticosteroids are also used to treat pain and swelling. Sometimes, before any other treatment is tried, steroids are given as an injection into the affected joint. In certain cases, the doctor might prescribe oral steroids (taken by mouth), but these are generally avoided in children because of adverse side effects, which may include poor growth and weight gain.

Answered: Why are rest and exercise important for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:12:32 +0000

You need to be active, but you also have to pace yourself. During flare-ups, when joint inflammation gets worse, it’s best to rest the joints. Using a cane or joint splints can help during flare-ups.

When joint inflammation gets better, you need to exercise to your keep joints flexible and to strengthen the muscles that surround them. Low-impact activities, such as brisk walking or swimming, and gentle stretching can help. You may want to work with a physical therapist at first.

Answered: Are arthritis medications useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:11:46 +0000

Arthritis medications play an essential role in controlling the progression and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Starting treatment soon after diagnosis is most effective. And the best medical care combines rheumatoid arthritis medications and other approaches.

Answered: How can I use biologics to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:10:59 +0000

There are a couple of ways to use biologics. You might give yourself a shot at home or get them through an IV while you're at the doctor's office. You might need to combine biologics with methotrexate to get better results.

Answered: Should I tweak my stance at work to help treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:10:21 +0000

It helps to put one foot on a step, low stool, or book so that it’s a little higher than the other. This helps keep your pelvis in alignment. Switch feet every now and then.

Women who wear high heels might want to reconsider their footwear. Go for shoes with good cushioning and support -- and keep heels to an inch high or less. Special inserts in your shoes (orthotics) may also help.

Organize your work area to make it easier on your joints, so that you don't have to lift, reach, or carry too much. If you work in different areas throughout the day, consider whether an apron or a tool belt would be an appropriate way to carry the items you need.

Answered: Do liver problems occur as a result of rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:09:10 +0000

Liver problems are less common than an upset stomach. Your doctor will check blood tests on a regular basis to make sure your liver is not being harmed by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Answered: What are treatment ideas to deal with pain or stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:08:42 +0000

When your rheumatoid arthritis flares up, you're probably in no mood to start last-minute research on how to get relief. Check out treatment ideas now so you're ready to go when pain and stiffness strike.

Answered: Are there typical signs of Felty's syndrome?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:08:14 +0000

Signs of Felty's syndrome (FS) are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. They also overlap other autoimmune diseases -- a disease in which your immune system attacks your own healthy cells -- like lupus. Because of that, FS can be hard to diagnose.

Answered: How are biologic medications given to patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:07:13 +0000

One disadvantage to biologic medications is that they must be given either by injection or by intravenous infusion, with the exception of Xeljanz. It is taken by mouth.

Answered: Are there treatments for rheumatoid nodules?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:06:36 +0000

Sometimes medicines called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can reduce the size of rheumatoid nodules. But people who take methotrexate (which is a DMARD) may get more and bigger nodules. In that case, your doctor will often switch you to another medicine.

Some people get steroid shots to shrink nodules. If the lumps become infected or cause severe symptoms, you may need surgery to remove them.

Answered: How is an anti-CCP antibody test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:05:50 +0000

This test finds immune system chemicals, called antibodies, that target CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide), which is present in about 60% to 70% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). You could have these antibodies years before you get RA symptoms. This test can also predict cases of RA that could become severe.

Answered: Are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:04:35 +0000

Though disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can have side effects, there is a good reason to take them -- they're proven to work against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Even if you are in a remission, many rheumatologists believe you should keep taking a DMARD, just to keep your RA at bay. There is also a likelihood of recurring disease when stopped altogether.

Answered: How can I protect my aching joints if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:04:02 +0000

These simple methods work to protect your joints:

Use canes, special jar openers, and padded handles.
Make it easier to lift, carry, or bend. Use your bigger joints instead of your smaller ones. Use your whole arm to lift things, not just your hands and wrists.
Wear safety gear like knee and elbow pads or wrist guards when you play sports or do outdoor activities.
Put your joints through their full range of motion. Use slow, gentle movements.
Strengthen the muscles and ligaments around your joints. If you don't have a physical therapist, ask your doctor to help you find one.
Try to avoid putting on extra pounds, which puts pressure on your joints. Your doctor can tell you what your goal should be.

Answered: Does exercising if I have rheumatoid arthritis make me feel better?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:02:43 +0000

A good workout boosts your mood, gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, and can make you feel better about yourself.

Answered: What exercises can I do if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:01:59 +0000

If you don’t exercise now, check with your doctor first. Tell him or her what you want to do, and ask what types of things will be best for you and what you should avoid.

You may also want to consult with a physical therapist to make a safe, effective workout plan.

Your plan will likely include low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, bicycling, or using an elliptical machine.

Answered: Should I count my calories if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 06:01:22 +0000

Make it a habit to check calorie amounts in the foods you eat. You can get the info from packaged food labels, cookbooks, websites, and cell phone apps. Use it to help you make a meal plan. It can also help to keep a food diary for a while.

Answered: What is combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:59:51 +0000

Has your doctor recommended that you take more than one drug for rheumatoid arthritis? That’s combination therapy, and it can help you move better and with less pain. It could also slow or stop joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

When you first find out you have the condition, you will probably start taking one drug, usually methotrexate. If that doesn’t give you enough relief, your doctor will add another drug. If your rheumatoid arthritis is more severe, your doctor may prescribe more than one medication right away.

Answered: What are the most common side effects of etancercept to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:33:31 +0000

The most common side effects of etancercept include skin reactions or pain where you get the shot, sinus infections, and headache.

Answered: What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:30:10 +0000

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) include:

Pain
Swelling
Warmth
Stiffness Muscle weakness can make joints unstable. Depending on what parts of the body it affects, OA can make it hard to walk, grip objects, dress, comb hair, or sit.

Answered: What are usual biologic drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:28:55 +0000

When your doctor first prescribes you a biologic, it’s usually an “anti-TNF” drug. These include:

Adalimumab (Humira)
Certolizumab (Cimzia)
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Golimumab (Simponi)
Infliximab (Inflectra, Remicade)

Answered: How do biologics treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:28:28 +0000

Biologics are genetically-engineered proteins derived from human genes. They are designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system that play pivotal roles in fueling inflammation, which is a central feature of rheumatoid arthritis.

Biologics are used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded adequately to other treatments. They differ significantly from traditional drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in that they target specific components of the immune system instead of broadly affecting many areas of the immune system. Biologics may be used alone but are commonly given along with other rheumatoid arthritis medications.

Answered: Do the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis go away quickly?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:27:15 +0000

In many children with this condition, the fever and rash go away within a few months. How quickly those children improve depends on the severity of their symptoms. In some people, the arthritis can last into adulthood and still need treatment.

Answered: What are the most common side effects of infliximab used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:22:36 +0000

The most common side effects of infliximab include respiratory infections (like sinus infections and sore throat), headache, coughing, and stomach pain.

Answered: Is early treatment important for rheumatoid arthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:21:57 +0000

Even though there’s nothing you can do to ensure you won’t get rheumatoid arthritis, keep in mind that early treatment can make your symptoms less painful and save your joints from damage. Ideally, you should begin treatment within three to six months of your first symptoms.

Answered: Are there different types of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis?

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:21:24 +0000

There are different types of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. You would take some of them for pain and others to slow or stop the disease.