Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission: 5 Things You Really Need to Know

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. While there is no cure for RA, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One goal of RA treatment is achieving remission, which means the disease is in a state of low disease activity or has been completely controlled.

Remission can be achieved through a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring by a healthcare provider. The primary goal of medication is to reduce inflammation and slow or stop the progression of the disease. This may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can help manage RA symptoms and achieve remission. These may include:

• Regular exercise: Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, can help maintain joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve overall health.
• A healthy diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
• Stress reduction: Stress can trigger RA symptoms, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can be beneficial.
• Adequate rest: Getting enough sleep and taking breaks throughout the day can help manage RA symptoms and reduce fatigue.

Ongoing monitoring by a healthcare provider is also important for achieving and maintaining remission. This may include regular physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests to monitor disease activity and adjust treatment as needed.

It is important to note that remission is not a cure for RA, and symptoms can flare up at any time. However, achieving remission can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.

In general, remission refers to a state of disease in which symptoms are significantly reduced or absent. However, the specific criteria used to define remission in RA can vary depending on the organization or healthcare provider. Some common criteria used to define remission in RA include:

• The number of tender and swollen joints
• Blood markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Patient-reported outcomes, such as pain and functional ability

There are different definitions of remission in RA, including clinical remission, imaging remission, and functional remission. Clinical remission typically refers to the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, while imaging remission refers to the absence of inflammation on imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. Functional remission refers to a state in which the patient is able to carry out daily activities without significant difficulty.

It’s important to note that achieving remission in RA may not be possible for all patients, and even those who do achieve remission may still experience occasional flares or symptoms. Additionally, different healthcare providers may use different criteria for defining and assessing remission, which can make it challenging to compare outcomes across different studies or populations.

Remission in RA is generally defined as a state in which there is no or very low disease activity, as evidenced by measures such as joint swelling and tenderness, blood markers of inflammation, and patient-reported outcomes such as pain and functional ability. Achieving remission in RA can lead to significant improvements in quality of life and can help prevent joint damage.

While the specific rates of remission in RA can vary depending on the population and criteria used, research suggests that a significant proportion of people with RA can achieve remission with appropriate treatment. For example, a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that nearly one-third of people with RA achieved clinical remission after 12 months of treatment with a combination of methotrexate and a biologic medication.

It’s important to note that remission is not necessarily a permanent state, and even people who achieve remission may experience occasional flares or require ongoing treatment to maintain remission. Additionally, remission may not be possible or appropriate for all people with RA, and healthcare providers will work with individual patients to develop a treatment plan that best meets their needs and goals.

Research has shown that early intervention in RA can lead to better outcomes, including higher rates of remission. For example, a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that early intervention with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) within the first three months of symptom onset was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving remission or low disease activity.

Additionally, a 2018 study published in the journal Rheumatology found that people with RA who received early intensive treatment with a combination of DMARDs and biologic medications were more likely to achieve sustained remission compared to those who received less intensive treatment.

These findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of RA. If you experience joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or other symptoms of RA, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent joint damage, improve quality of life, and increase the likelihood of achieving remission.

Some lifestyle factors that may be beneficial for people with RA include:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve joint mobility, strength, and function, as well as reduce inflammation and pain. Aerobic exercise, strength training, and low-impact activities such as yoga and swimming may all be beneficial.
2. Diet: A healthy, balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Some people with RA may also benefit from avoiding or limiting certain foods that can trigger inflammation, such as processed foods, added sugars, and saturated and trans fats.
3. Stress management: Stress can exacerbate inflammation and symptoms of RA, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress and promote relaxation. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga may be helpful.
4. Sleep: Getting adequate sleep is important for overall health and can also help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of RA. It may be helpful to establish a regular sleep routine and avoid stimulating activities before bedtime.

It’s important to note that while lifestyle changes can be beneficial for managing RA, they may not be sufficient on their own to achieve remission. However, when combined with appropriate medication and other treatments, lifestyle changes can help to improve overall health and potentially increase the likelihood of achieving remission.

Relapse can occur due to a number of factors, such as stopping or changing medications, infection or illness, stress, or other environmental factors that trigger inflammation. Additionally, some people with RA may experience periodic flares or fluctuations in disease activity, even if they have achieved remission.

It’s important for people with RA to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor disease activity and adjust their treatment plans as needed. Regular monitoring of disease activity, including imaging tests and blood markers of inflammation, can help to identify early signs of relapse and prevent long-term joint damage.

If you have achieved remission in RA, it’s important to continue following your treatment plan and making lifestyle changes that may help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of relapse. This may include continuing to take medications as prescribed, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and managing stress and other environmental factors that can trigger inflammation.