Yes, many myRAteam members have shared experiences with digestive issues and muscle spasms alongside RA. You're definitely not alone in this!
People with RA are actually at a significantly higher risk of GI problems — about 50% more likely to have lower digestive tract issues and 70% more likely to develop upper digestive Show Full Answer
Yes, many myRAteam members have shared experiences with digestive issues and muscle spasms alongside RA. You're definitely not alone in this!
People with RA are actually at a significantly higher risk of GI problems — about 50% more likely to have lower digestive tract issues and 70% more likely to develop upper digestive tract problems compared to those without RA. There are a few reasons why this happens with RA:
- RA medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), and DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) are common culprits for bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain
- Chronic inflammation from RA can affect multiple body systems, including the digestive tract
- Gut dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) linked to RA can contribute to intestinal issues and even trigger RA flares
One myRAteam member described it well: "I've been dealing with a constant bloated feeling, stomach pains that come and go, and I flip-flop between constipation and diarrhea." Muscle spasms are also commonly reported. Research shows people with RA can have significantly reduced muscle strength, and inflammation can make spasms worse. One myRAteam member shared: "With RA, you expect joint pain, but what bothers me even more are the muscle spasms."
It's really worth bringing both the GI symptoms and muscle spasms up with your rheumatologist. Early treatment can prevent things from worsening, and there may be medication adjustments or additional treatments that could help.
May 29
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