Can a pregnant woman manage RA through diet?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old, and rheumatoid arthritis is completely changing my life. My recent diagnosis has been a massive shock. My RF is 72, and my inflammatory markers are consistently elevated. The joint pain is worst in the mornings, and I am finding it increasingly difficult to maintain my training routine. I have always been incredibly active, and the thought of losing my athletic ability is devastating. My hands and feet are showing the most significant symptoms, including swelling, stiffness, and occasional sharp pain. I am looking for ways to manage this condition while trying to maintain my fitness level. Is there hope for continuing my athletic pursuits?

Kindly provide your guidance.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no single blood test or physical finding that can confirm the diagnosis. During the physical examination, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth. He or she may also check your reflexes and muscle strength.

RA investigations include the following:

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) level, which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
Your doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in your joints over time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound tests can help your doctor assess the severity of the disease in your body.

I suggest you consult a consultant rheumatologist, a consultant psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and a consultant physiotherapist. RA treatment involves the following:

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, clinical studies indicate that remission of symptoms is more likely when treatment begins early with medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include Ibuprofen and Naproxen sodium. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects may include stomach irritation, heart problems, and kidney damage.
Steroids: Corticosteroid medications, such as Prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. Side effects may include thinning of bones, weight gain, and diabetes. Doctors often prescribe a corticosteroid to relieve symptoms quickly and then gradually taper off the medication.
Conventional DMARDs: These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent permanent damage to the joints and other tissues. Common DMARDs include Methotrexate, Leflunomide (Arava), Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Side effects vary but may include liver damage and severe lung infections.
Biologic Agents: Also known as biologic response modifiers, this newer class of DMARDs includes Abatacept (Orencia), Adalimumab (Humira), Anakinra (Kineret), Certolizumab (Cimzia), Etanercept (Enbrel), Golimumab (Simponi), Infliximab (Remicade), Rituximab (Rituxan), Sarilumab (Kevzara), and Tocilizumab (Actemra). Biologic DMARDs are usually most effective when paired with a conventional DMARD, such as Methotrexate. This type of drug also increases the risk of infections.
Targeted synthetic DMARDs: Baricitinib (Olumiant), Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) may be used if conventional DMARDs and biologics have not been effective. Higher doses of Tofacitinib can increase the risk of blood clots in the lungs, serious heart-related events, and cancer.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.