Health & Life

8 Reasons Why Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Getting Worse

Rheumatoid arthritis patients often experience debilitating pain and swelling. Uncover the 8 reasons why rheumatoid arthritis can worsen, and understand the importance of taking proactive measures to manage this challenging condition.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

In life, there are habits that seem harmless but can be the reason why you are prone to developing diseases or why your condition worsens. Here is information about eight factors that can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis, which many people tend to overlook.

1 Lack of Exercise

Not only for people with rheumatoid arthritis but also for healthy individuals, physical activity is always recommended by experts to promote bone and joint health, enhance muscle strength, and provide other benefits.

In particular, if patients with rheumatoid arthritis avoid exercising, their joints may become stiff and less flexible, leading to reduced range of motion and weakened muscles surrounding the joints. Over time, this can result in increased pain and discomfort.

Lack of Exercise

2 Unhealthy Diet

Consuming certain foods and additives can exacerbate inflammation in the body. Therefore, it is advisable to limit your intake of sugar, trans fats, etc.

It is best to consult a doctor about the specific foods to include and avoid in your diet if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Unhealthy Diet

3 Smoking

Smoking not only increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis but also worsens the condition for those already affected. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat the disease.

For this reason, people with rheumatoid arthritis are always advised to quit smoking.

Smoking

4 Over-Exertion

While people with rheumatoid arthritis are encouraged to stay active and exercise, it is crucial to maintain a moderate level of activity and avoid overdoing it. Moderate exercise helps maintain mobility and effectively reduce pain.

Pushing yourself too hard or exercising incorrectly can increase inflammation and joint pain. Therefore, it is essential to listen to your body and stop when you feel uncomfortable.

Gentle exercises that do not put pressure on the joints, such as yoga, tai chi, swimming, walking, and stretching, are ideal for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Over-Exertion

5 Dehydration

Although dehydration does not cause rheumatoid arthritis, adequate hydration can make a difference in joint comfort, mobility, and inflammation.

When the body is dehydrated, it may not produce enough synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant between the joints, reducing friction and pain during movement.

Dehydration

6 Mental Stress

In reality, mental stress can trigger rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups because it increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that contributes to inflammation and pain.

Furthermore, chronic stress can disrupt sleep, affect your mood, and interfere with the healing process. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a calm mind by engaging in light exercise, listening to music, etc.

Mental Stress

7 Neglecting Joint Protection

For people with rheumatoid arthritis, joint protection is essential to prevent joint deformity, reduce stress, and alleviate joint pain.

In certain situations, using splints or specialized devices can help provide the necessary support and protection for your joints.

Neglecting Joint Protection

8 Discontinuing Medication Without Medical Advice

Some people may feel tempted to stop taking their medication when their joints start to feel better. However, discontinuing medication without medical advice can lead to a worsening of rheumatoid arthritis.

Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Discontinuing Medication Without Medical Advice

The above information highlights eight harmful habits that can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis. By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to prevent and manage this condition effectively.

Frequently asked questions

There are several factors that can contribute to the worsening of rheumatoid arthritis. These include increasing age, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in processed foods and sugar. Additionally, psychological factors like stress and depression can also play a role. Other factors are genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and an imbalance in the immune system.

Obesity increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and can also make the condition worse. This is because excess body fat causes inflammation and puts extra pressure on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

Yes, a sedentary lifestyle can definitely contribute to the worsening of rheumatoid arthritis. Staying active and exercising regularly is crucial for managing the condition. Exercise helps to reduce joint stiffness and pain, improve flexibility and strength, and maintain a healthy weight.

A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and trans fats can contribute to inflammation and worsen rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help to manage the condition.

Yes, psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can impact rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can trigger inflammation and pain in the body, and they can also make it more difficult to manage the condition. Therefore, addressing psychological wellbeing is an important part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Yes, genetic factors do play a role in rheumatoid arthritis. Having a family history of the condition increases your risk. However, it’s important to note that not everyone with a genetic predisposition will develop rheumatoid arthritis. Environmental and lifestyle factors also come into play.

There are several steps you can take to manage worsening rheumatoid arthritis. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and following an anti-inflammatory diet. Additionally, work on managing stress and other psychological factors. It’s also important to stay in close communication with your doctor and follow their recommended treatment plan.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis typically involve a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. Medications can include disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and steroids. Lifestyle changes focus on weight management, exercise, and diet. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered.