Is Remission Possible With RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that affects the synovial joints. While remission is not always achievable, it is a reachable goal for many people with RA.

Remission is defined as no signs or symptoms of joint inflammation. This means no joint pain, swelling, stiffness or tenderness. Remission is more likely when RA is diagnosed early and treatment is started quickly.

Currently available medication and treatment strategies enable many people to achieve significant relief and remission. Here's an overview of achieving and managing RA remission:

Early Diagnosis and Treatment:

The earlier RA is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of achieving remission. Early treatment aims to reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage and preserve joint function.

Medications:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly prescribed to manage RA and work by slowing the progression of the disease and reducing inflammation.

Some examples include methotrexate, leflunomide and sulfasalazine.

Biologic agents and targeted synthetic DMARDs are more advanced medications used when traditional DMARDs are ineffective.

Examples include adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade).

Combination Therapies:

In some cases, a combination of different medications may be necessary to achieve remission.

This approach, called combination therapy, aims to target multiple aspects of the disease and enhance overall effectiveness.

Remission-induction Therapies:

Certain DMARDs, like methotrexate, and some biologic agents have shown particular effectiveness in inducing remission in RA.

Lifestyle Modifications:

While medications are essential, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can also support remission. This may include:

- Regular exercise: Low-impact exercises like swimming and yoga can help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

- Smoking cessation: Smoking worsens RA symptoms and hampers the effectiveness of medications.

- Healthy diet: A well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can support overall health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the strain on joints.

- Adequates sleep: Good quality sleep aids in the body's natural healing processes and can reduce pain.

- Stress management: Techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress, which can exacerbate RA symptoms.

Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is crucial when working toward remission. Through a combination of medications,lifestyle adjustments, and close follow-up, many people with RA can achieve remission and experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.