Dealing with widespread inflammation when you have RA can feel overwhelming — and it makes total sense that it keeps coming up, because inflammation is essentially at the core of what RA does in the body.
With RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, triggering an inflammatory response. This doesn't just Show Full Answer
Dealing with widespread inflammation when you have RA can feel overwhelming — and it makes total sense that it keeps coming up, because inflammation is essentially at the core of what RA does in the body.
With RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, triggering an inflammatory response. This doesn't just affect joints — it can impact other parts of the body too, which is why inflammation seems to show up everywhere. The good news is there are several ways to help get inflammation under control. Here's a summary of approaches that can make a real difference:
Medications
- DMARDs (like methotrexate or biologics) are specifically designed to reduce RA-related inflammation
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs like naproxen can also help
Diet
- Following a Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s can lower inflammatory markers
- Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats is also recommended
Lifestyle
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (walking, swimming, yoga)
- Prioritizing quality sleep is important — poor sleep can actually raise inflammation levels
- Stress management, including mindfulness or meditation, can help reduce flares
Working closely with a rheumatologist to find the right combination of treatments is really the key. It's always worth being open and honest with them about how widespread the inflammation feels — just like a myRAteam member did when they told their doctor everything, which led to a helpful treatment adjustment.
June 15
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