Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects millions of people globally and it can range from mild to severe. Moderately to severely active RA is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that requires treatment to achieve the best possible clinical outcome. The good news is that in patients with moderate to severe RA, medical treatments have been developed to help manage symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most common signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active RA are:

Joint pain
Stiffness
Inflammation and swelling of the joints
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss
Chronic inflammation in the body

Diagnosis and Treatment of Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctors can diagnose moderate to severe RA with a physical examination, X-rays, lab tests, and imaging studies. Treatment typically includes a combination of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), steroids, biologics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain, reduce inflammation, reduce disease progression, and improve overall quality of life.

Tips for Living with Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Living with RA can be challenging, but there are several steps that you can take to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life:

Exercise regularly to maintain your strength and flexibility.
Get enough restful sleep to help your body recover.
Eat nutritious meals and snacks to keep up your energy levels.
Manage stress, anxiety, and depression with relaxation techniques, counseling, or medication.
Take your medications as prescribed to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Talk to your doctor about how to safely use heat or cold therapy to soothe aches and pains.
Join a support group or online community to get advice and share experiences with others who have RA.