HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

default
Posted on Fri, 27 Apr 2018
Question: I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I is now getting more prevalent, in "owie" department but afraid to take any meds for it. The warnings are scarier than the very uncomfortable state I'm in now. I know the first thing to do is lose weight(obese). Hurt areas are lower spine, neck, knees, shoulders..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
some persons have little or no effects, if do occur ,meds can be stopped

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned regarding the possible side effects that may or may not occur.
It is important to remember that you may not experience any side effects or only minor effects.
There are some persons that have little or no problems when they use the prescribed meds.

If you do experience side effects due to the medication then it can be stopped, it would not need to be continued.

In some persons, the use of anti inflammatory pain medication (eg naproxen, celebrex, ibuprofen, voltaren) is enough but if this is not the case for you then you may need to consider the other medications.

As you said, losing weight would help because it reduce the stress on the joints and also because obesity is an inflammatory state-- the body has an increase of inflammation due to the obesity itself.

Weight loss can be difficult however for some. Diet changes would have the major impact with or without exercise but would be best with exercise to improve heart health.
The main weight loss diet changes are low carb diets or low fat/low calorie diet. You would need to chose the one that works best for you and stick to it.

Using meal replacements for one or two meals a day would help.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thank you! I appreciate the answers very much
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
If you need any other assistance, can let me know
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Brief Answer: some persons have little or no effects, if do occur ,meds can be stopped Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned regarding the possible side effects that may or may not occur. It is important to remember that you may not experience any side effects or only minor effects. There are some persons that have little or no problems when they use the prescribed meds. If you do experience side effects due to the medication then it can be stopped, it would not need to be continued. In some persons, the use of anti inflammatory pain medication (eg naproxen, celebrex, ibuprofen, voltaren) is enough but if this is not the case for you then you may need to consider the other medications. As you said, losing weight would help because it reduce the stress on the joints and also because obesity is an inflammatory state-- the body has an increase of inflammation due to the obesity itself. Weight loss can be difficult however for some. Diet changes would have the major impact with or without exercise but would be best with exercise to improve heart health. The main weight loss diet changes are low carb diets or low fat/low calorie diet. You would need to chose the one that works best for you and stick to it. Using meal replacements for one or two meals a day would help. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions