There are many types of arthritis, and patients can enjoy pain relief for all types at Integrated Pain Consultants. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is the most common type of arthritis and causes arthritis pain in over 1.3 million Americans. The vast majority of rheumatoid arthritis pain sufferers are women at 75%. But did you know that remission from this type of arthritis is possible? Rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating, so both treating arthritis pain and working towards remission when possible are top priorities.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of autoimmune arthritis that leads to swollen joints, stiffness, and pain. Autoimmune conditions cause the body’s immune system to work improperly, attacking healthy body cells. Rheumatoid arthritis remission occurs when no further damage is happening and when the arthritis pain doesn’t interfere with daily living. Rheumatoid arthritis remission is also defined as a very low activity of the disease in some cases. Remission does not necessarily require the patient to be totally symptom-free, but those who achieve remission usually rate their arthritis pain around 1 of 10.
Research has shown anywhere from 5 – 45 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients achieve remission. The earlier you start arthritis treatments, the better your chances of remission. The exact arthritis treatment will vary based on the patient but might include joint injections, viscosupplementation, or a change in arthritis pain medication management. The test for remission also varies and requires an evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs. Your doctor will use a scoring guide like the Clinical Disease Activity Index to determine if a patient is in remission.
Diet and lifestyle changes are usually also required to achieve remission, including more fruits, veggies, and exercise. A lower calorie diet can help, as can eating more tart cherries, watermelon, and avocado. Working closely with your doctor to make healthy changes and explore arthritis pain treatments is the first step towards a more comfortable life and possibly arthritis remission. Discover more about arthritis pain treatment today by calling Integrated Pain Consultants at (480) 626-2552.