Lifestyle modifications
NUTRITION
- Omega 3 fatty acids may decrease symptoms (1)
- A healthy dietary pattern, e.g. mediterranean diet, is recommended as it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (1)
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
- Regular aerob and resistance exercise reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis including disease activity, fatigue, pain, and improves mental health and wellbeing. See resources for more details (1)
- Range of motion exercises improve joint movement (1)
- High intensity weight bearing exercises and repetitive high impact activity may not be suitable for patients with joint structural damage (1)
WEIGHT
- Obese patients with Rheumatoid arthritis are recommended to reduce weight as it reduces the strain on weight bearing joints (1)
References
1) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nonpharmacologic-therapies-for-patients-with-rheumatoid-arthritis
Resources
EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION
Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD font
Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE font
Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font
Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font