The immune system makes inflammation a natural response for healing during an infection or injury. The affected area becomes swollen, and blood flow to that area automatically increases. However, the immune system may mistakenly cause inflammation without infection or injury. When such inflammation affects the joints, they become unstable and painful. This condition is called rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease can be managed with timely diagnosis and treatment options.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, impacts each person differently. While in some, it may advance slowly over time, it may progress quickly in others. The symptoms of pain and stiffness may be persistent or flare up occasionally and be dormant for some time. RA causes pain and stiffness in the affected joints, particularly in the morning or after staying in the same position for long durations. It can also cause a lack of appetite, low BMI levels, and fatigue. In some cases, RA can cause inflammation in the chest, causing severe chest pain.

Complications of rheumatoid arthritis
If left untreated for a long time, the disorder can lead to immobility and other serious health issues like:

• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Inflammation in the heart’s pericardium
• Sjogren’s syndrome – inflammation of the eye
• Inflammation in the lungs causing COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Cervical myelopathy
• Joint damage
• Rheumatoid nodules

Common mistakes to avoid if you have rheumatoid arthritis

Getting treatment from a general physician
A general physical may be able to diagnose RA, but they may not have the expertise in treating the condition. Rheumatologists are specialists doctors with adequate qualifications, training, and experience in treating RA. They will be updated with the latest development in treatments that can benefit your overall health.

Not learning about RA
Right after diagnosis, one of the first steps for patients and caregivers is understanding the facts about RA. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease, and there could be a lot of myths and misinformation doing the rounds. Talk to your rheumatologist or healthcare providers to understand its impact, the treatment, and the prognosis. There will be clarity about the steps you must take and lifestyle changes you can make to slow the progression of RA. You can learn about the new findings and inventions in the treatment of RA and volunteer to participate in clinical trials.

Resting for long periods
Rest is an important part of RA treatment, as you can feel a lot of pain and fatigue. However, too much rest and minimal exercise can increase joint stiffness and BMI levels. Therefore, it is important to start with about 30 minutes of light exercise like walking, Tai Chi, yoga, or stretching and gradually increase the duration and intensity. You can take a break when you have a flare-up.

Not taking treatment as advised
Since RA is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, your symptoms may sometimes worsen. Visit your doctor for periodic review and follow-up. They may use blood and urine examinations and X-rays to monitor your condition and adjust dosage and treatment accordingly. Missing treatment can lead to the worsening of RA and its complications.

Not giving up on pro-inflammatory foods
Food triggers can cause a RA flare-up, and avoiding such foods is essential. If you have been diagnosed with RA, avoid the following foods:

• Grilled, fried, and broiled meat
• Food with trans and unsaturated fat
• Sugary foods like candies, cookies, and cakes 
• Food-rich in carbs
• Gluten-rich foods like wheat, kamut, and spelt.
• Flavor enhancers and synthetic additives

Not focusing on emotional wellbeing
RA causes pain and immobility; if the condition is severe, you may need support from friends, family, or caregivers to help you with your daily activities. It is important to share thoughts with family and friends and communicate with your healthcare providers to prevent depression and anxiety from others.

Foods to manage arthritis
Healthy eating is an integral part of RA treatment. Six foods that help to manage RA include:

Fatty fish
Fatty fish generally have darker flesh and are rich in omega-3 and polyunsaturated fats. They help in fighting inflammation and can reduce joint pain and stiffness. Include the following fatty fish in your regular meal plans:

• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Snapper

Fruits and vegetables
Mix RA-friendly fruits and vegetables and create a healthy menu for your everyday meals. Choose the following foods that are rich in antioxidants and help in fighting inflammation:

• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Peppers
• Squash
• Onions
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Eggplants
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Berries
• Apples
• Banana
• Oranges

Whole grains
Replace refined grains with whole grains as they are rich sources of fiber and antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Whole grains suited for RA include;

• Oats
• Bulgur
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Amaranth
• Brown rice
• Millets

Probiotics
New studies reveal that there is a link between changes in gut bacteria and RA progression. Increase the intake of probiotics and prebiotics, which can improve gut health. Examples of gut-friendly food include:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Fermented tofu
• Pickled beets and garlic
• Greek yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables

Calcium-rich foods
Calcium-rich foods can keep the joint tissue and nearby bones healthy and help reduce pain and joint stiffness. Some calcium-rich food includes:

• Low-fat milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Green leafy vegetables
• Soya based beverages
• Fortified food
• Almonds
• Sardines
• Pilchards

Iron-rich foods
Iron-rich foods can help fight fatigue, a common outcome of RA. A flare-up can cause anemia and further worsen fatigue. Iron-rich food that can help fight fatigue include:

• Lean meat
• Green leafy vegetables
• Peas
• Beans
• Lentils
• Fortified cereals

Top five smoothies for joint relief
Smoothies are easy to make. Choose from a range of RA-friendly fruits and vegetables and whip up a tasty and healthy smoothie to relieve joint pain.

• Blend a quarter pineapple, ½ mango, one peeled orange, and one carrot with ½ teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and water.
• Blend two kiwis with 100 grams of kale, one mango, one peeled orange, and water.
• Blend one apple, two celery stalks, ½ pineapple, and a handful of spinach with ½ teaspoon of ginger, one teaspoon of ground turmeric, and one teaspoon of coconut oil.
• Blend ¾ cup blueberries, one cup kale, one banana, 1-2 seedless dates, and ½ spoon nut butter with low-fat almond milk.
• Blend one banana, ½ teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of matcha green tea powder, one scoop of vanilla protein powder, and one cup of low-fat milk.