ARTHRITIS (rheumatoid arthritis is one of the more common types) is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. “Disability” can range from minor physical limitations that reduce a person’s ability to complete everyday activities like housework to major limitations that may prevent a person from holding a job. According to the World Health Organization, more than 50% of patients with RA completely stop working within 10 years of onset. Statistics like these demonstrate that RA, like heart disease and diabetes, can result in a substantial amount of disability.

DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT PEOPLE
Despite being a serious illness, not every patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will have the same experience. More than 50% of patients have a gradual onset of the disease. For these people, the first symptoms develop over several weeks. Other patients have faster disease onset, with symptoms developing over several days. Some patients even have periods of “remission,” when their symptoms disappear. Many patients with RA also develop related conditions affecting the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart.

REASONS FOR HOPE: GETTING AGGRESSIVE WITH CURRENT THERAPIES
Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious disease, there are many reasons for hope among patients who have it. Because the onset of RA is usually gradual, patients have time to work with their doctors to decide which treatments are best for them.

Also, researchers have found that patients who receive an early diagnosis and begin treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including the biologic DMARDs, are more likely to improve their quality of life while reducing disease activity and inhibiting structural damage. According to experts at the American College of Rheumatology, “successful treatment to limit joint damage and functional loss requires early diagnosis and timely initiation of disease-modifying agents.”

Several traditional and biologic DMARDs are available now, and there are promising new treatments in development. Because of this, seeing a specialist such as a rheumatologist for an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment has become increasingly important. (Ask your primary care physician for a referral. Your primary care physician plays an important role in your general health. A rheumatologist is the physician who specializes in arthritis.)

Early use of appropriate medicines improves the likelihood that people with RA can manage their symptoms and help inhibit or limit joint damage. Effective treatments are allowing people with RA to lead active and productive lives.

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