Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation and pain in the joints. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.8 lakh people worldwide were living with RA in 2019. About 70% are women, and 55% are older than 55 years, the health body notes.
While there is no cure for RA, it can be managed. However, if left untreated, the condition can worsen and cause serious complications. Hence, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Manish Dhawan, Senior Consultant - Orthopaedics, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, to get some insights.
Signs Of Worsening Rheumatoid Arthritis
"When rheumatoid arthritis worsens, several warning signs indicate disease progression. One of the most common signs is increased joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity," said Dr Dhawan, adding that people may notice swelling in multiple joints and redness or warmth around the affected area.
Additionally, fatigue and general feelings of illness can also intensify, whereas new joints may start to hurt or existing pain may become more severe.
Interestingly, some people experience fever or a sudden flare-up where symptoms are significantly more intense. "If you find that daily activities become increasingly difficult or you notice visible deformity in your joints, it is crucial to consult your health worker or doctor," the doctor emphasised. He added that early identification and timely management can help you slow the progression and improve the quality of life.
The WHO suggests that symptoms of RA can worsen over time and spread to more joints, including the knees, elbows or shoulders. "RA can make it hard to perform daily activities like writing, holding objects with your hands, walking and climbing stairs," the global health body highlights.
Can Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Serious Complications?
Unfortunately, yes! “Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformities and permanent disability due to cutting and bone erosion,” shared Dr Dhawan.
He explained that chronic inflammation can affect other organs, leading to complications such as cardiovascular lung issues like interstitial lung disease and increased risk of infection due to the weakened immune system. Furthermore, rheumatoid nodules or firm lumps under the skin may develop near the affected joint.
Eye problems, including dryness and inflammation, are also common.
It is also important to note that untreated RA increases the risk of osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become weak and are likely to fracture or break, causing severe fatigue and impacting daily life.
Treatment Plan For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dr Dhawan emphasised the importance of reassessing and possibly adjusting one's treatment plan if rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear. "If a flare-up becomes more frequent or intense, or if you develop side effects from the current medication, it is time to consult your doctor. Blood tests showing elevated inflammation markers such as ESR or CRP also suggest the disease may be progressing. A rheumatologist may recommend adjusting the dose, combining therapies, or switching to a different medication like biologics or other agents which have come out recently."
"The goal is to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and maintain joint function. Regular monitoring ensures that the treatment is effective and minimises disease impact," he added.
Lifestyle Adjustments May Prove Beneficial
Lifestyle changes also play a vital role in RA management. Some of the key things to follow include:
- Regular low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking or cycling help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Strength training can build muscle to support affected joints.
- A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains can also mitigate symptoms.
- Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints, especially the weight-bearing ones like the knee and hip.
- Stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga can lower stress hormones that may exacerbate the inflammation.
- Get adequate sleep to allow the body to repair itself.
- Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, improve overall health and reduce rheumatoid arthritis progression.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, and there is no cure for it. However, managing the condition is very important, as leaving it untreated can worsen the symptoms and lead to more severe complications. Recognising key indicators such as increased joint pain, stiffness lasting longer than usual, swelling that does not subside, and reduced mobility is crucial. Moreover, consulting a doctor and following their advice are of utmost importance.