[Smart Doctor] Rheumatoid Arthritis: Difficult to Cure Once Contracted.

Q. What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when our body's immune system malfunctions, attacking its own joints instead of external invaders like bacteria or viruses. This leads to inflammation inside the joints (synovium), and over time, the joints can become damaged and deformed. A key characteristic of this autoimmune disease is that immune cells, which should normally protect the body, attack the joints. Typical symptoms include swollen and painful joints, and morning stiffness in the hands that can last for more than an hour. It often starts in small joints like the fingers, wrists, and toes, affecting both sides similarly. Systemic symptoms may include easy fatigue, low-grade fever, and weight loss.

Q. Is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary?

Rheumatoid arthritis is not a genetic disease directly inherited from parents, but genetic predisposition can significantly influence its onset. If there is a family member with rheumatoid arthritis, the risk may be higher than for the general population. HLA-DRB1 is a well-known related gene, but having this gene does not necessarily mean the disease will develop. In fact, even if parents have the disease, most children do not develop it.

Environmental factors such as smoking, chronic infections like periodontitis, hormonal changes, or stress can affect lifestyle. Therefore, if there is a family history, it is important to pay attention to health management and early diagnosis.

Q. What foods should I eat?

There are no specific 'good' or 'bad' foods for rheumatoid arthritis. However, certain eating habits can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Eat fish, vegetables, and nuts frequently, and reduce fried foods, processed foods, and red meat. It's also best not to drink too much alcohol. It is effective to consistently observe and adjust your diet to what suits you. The important thing is to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy weight. This is because weight gain can put more strain on the joints and worsen symptoms. It is crucial to reduce joint burden through weight management.

Q. What kind of exercise is helpful?

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, exercise is very important for protecting joints, strengthening muscles, and maintaining body function. Resting for too long can weaken muscles, making joints more unstable and reducing function. Exercise is part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Rest when you are in pain, and when symptoms improve, start with walking, swimming, or light strength training. It is important to note that during the acute phase, when joints are swollen and pain is severe, strenuous exercise should be avoided, and sufficient rest should be taken. Once the pain subsides, it is good to slowly resume exercise, and it is important not to forget stretching before and after exercise. However, if pain worsens during exercise, stop immediately and consult a specialist.

Q. Is rheumatoid arthritis curable?

Rheumatoid arthritis is currently a chronic disease that is difficult to cure. However, with early diagnosis and consistent, appropriate treatment, joint damage can be largely prevented, and a normal daily life is possible. With recent advancements in treatment, an increasing number of patients are achieving ‘complete remission’, a state where symptoms are almost absent. In a state of remission, there is little to no pain or stiffness, allowing for a near-normal life. Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong condition that requires management. If early treatment is delayed or management is neglected, joint damage and deformation can progress, so it is important to consistently visit the hospital and adhere to medication and lifestyle guidelines. If treatment is stopped, symptoms may worsen again, so it is crucial to follow the medical team's instructions.

Q. Are acupuncture, traditional Korean medicine, or nutritional supplements helpful?

The primary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is proven drug therapy. Acupuncture, traditional Korean medicine, health functional foods, and nutritional supplements may provide temporary pain relief or symptom alleviation for some patients, but their effectiveness in fundamentally treating the disease or regulating immune dysfunction is not clear.

Traditional Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture can play a supplementary role in reducing pain and improving joint function relatively safely and with few side effects. However, they should not replace drug therapy and must be used in conjunction with treatment from a medical professional. Among nutritional supplements, omega-3 fatty acids have some research suggesting they may help alleviate inflammation and joint pain, and vitamin D and calcium are recommended for osteoporosis prevention. Traditional Korean medicine and health functional foods are only supplementary to treatment, not a cure for the disease. If you wish to use complementary methods while consistently receiving proven drug therapy, be sure to consult your doctor.

Consistent attention and appropriate treatment are good ways to protect your joints and health!

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, but with early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and proper lifestyle habits, you can maintain a healthy daily life. An important message for you is not to worry alone, but to discuss treatment and management with your doctor at any time and work together to find solutions. Consistent attention and appropriate treatment are good ways to protect your joints and health. We sincerely encourage you to work together with hope to create a better tomorrow than today. Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary?

It is not a direct hereditary disease passed down from parents. However, if there is a family history, the risk of developing the disease may be higher than in the general population due to genetic predisposition. Environmental factors such as smoking and stress also play a role, so if there is a family history, early diagnosis and health management are important.

Can rheumatoid arthritis be completely cured?

Currently, it is a chronic disease that is difficult to cure completely with modern medicine. However, with early diagnosis and consistent medication, it is possible to reach a state of 'complete remission' with almost no symptoms and maintain a normal daily life. It is important not to arbitrarily stop treatment and to manage it for life.

Can I exercise when my joints hurt?

During the acute phase when joints are swollen and painful, avoid strenuous exercise and get enough rest. However, after the pain subsides, it is good to consistently do walking, swimming, and light strength training. Appropriate exercise is essential for strengthening muscles, protecting joints, and maintaining body function.

What foods are good for rheumatoid arthritis?

There are no specific therapeutic foods, but an anti-inflammatory diet can help. A diet rich in fish, vegetables, and nuts is good, while fried foods, processed foods, red meat, and alcohol should be avoided. Maintaining an appropriate weight is also most important to avoid putting stress on the joints.

Can I treat it with only supplements or oriental medicine?

No, supplements or oriental medicine alone cannot fundamentally cure the disease. While omega-3 or acupuncture may provide temporary pain relief as an auxiliary measure, it is essential to combine them with verified drug treatment from medical professionals to prevent joint damage.