8 Mistakes People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Make
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Beth W. Orenstein on July 26, 2021
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Avoid These Common MistakesYou can remain active and enjoy your favorite activities by carefully managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With RA, what not to do can be as important as what to do. Here are eight common mistakes people with RA make, with tips for avoiding them.
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RA Mistake #1: Not Being Under a Rheumatologist’s CareYour family doctor might be able to treat your RA, but you may benefit from being under the care of a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in joint diseases. Rheumatologists are up to date on the latest RA treatments. Think of this specialist as the point person of your RA plan.
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RA Mistake #2: Skipping MedicationsIf you don’t take your RA medications as prescribed, you put yourself at risk for flare-ups. When you’re feeling well, it's often because taking your medications regularly is keeping your symptoms under control. If you don't want to take your meds because of unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize them.
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RA Mistake #3: Gaining WeightExtra weight puts extra stress on all your joints, especially your hips, knees, and ankles. Losing weight can help relieve that physical stress. To lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories and exercise more. Work with your doctor and a nutritionist to be sure you still get the proper nutrients to keep your body healthy. These health care professionals can also make sure that the physical activities you choose won’t harm your joints.
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RA Mistake #4: Not Educating Yourself About RAIt’s easy to feel defeated when you’re diagnosed with RA and are often in a lot of pain. Learn about RA and how it can affect your body. The more you know, the more you will be in control. That sense of control creates self-confidence that enables you to function better and stay independent.
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RA Mistake #5: Not Getting Enough SleepIf you’re so busy that you’re not getting 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night, you could be making your RA symptoms worse. Studies show that people with RA who don’t sleep well experience more depression, pain, and fatigue. Make getting a good night’s sleep every night a priority by following a soothing presleep routine (no TV or electronics in bed), and sticking to a set bedtime.
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RA Mistake #6: Not Exercising Enough -- or Exercising Too MuchExercise is an important part of managing your RA, but you need to find the right balance. Work out too intensely, and you can work yourself into an anaerobic state. That means your body isn't getting enough oxygen, and that will add to your joint pain. Go too easy on yourself, and your exercise won’t do much for your weight or joint strength. If you're unsure of the right amount, work with your doctor and a physical therapist.
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RA Mistake #7: Not Telling Your Doctor EverythingNot telling your RA medical team about any over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you're taking is a mistake. Anything you take can have an effect on you and, more importantly, on the prescription drugs you're taking. To help your doctors help you, tell them what you’re doing on your own to treat your RA to be sure nothing conflicts with their recommended treatment.
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RA Mistake #8: Not Seeking SupportYou may already be feeling the emotional ups and downs that RA can cause. Dealing with them is easier when you talk to loved ones, like family and friends, and have a strong support system. Give yourself permission to ask others for help. Joining a support group, either in person or online, can be a big help. Talking to people who are also managing RA will give you ideas for reducing stress and other emotions that come along with a chronic condition.
8 Mistakes People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Make