HealthScienceDailyWhy rheumatoid arthritis pain may persist even when inflammation is under control
Researchers say rheumatoid arthritis pain can persist even when inflammation is controlled, and that depression, poor sleep and obesity may be keeping symptoms going.
Pain and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis can persist even after inflammation improves, with depression, poor sleep, obesity, smoking, and chronic pain potentially helping sustain symptoms. Researchers say identifying these hidden drivers could prevent unnecessary medication changes and lead to more personalized treatment.
Researchers published findings suggesting that for some rheumatoid arthritis patients, pain and fatigue persist not because of ongoing inflammation but due to factors like depression, poor sleep and obesity.
Studies in Nature Reviews Rheumatology and The Lancet Rheumatology found that 6 to 28 per cent of patients fall into a difficult-to-treat group that does not achieve lasting remission despite therapy.
The researchers say doctors should look beyond inflammation when symptoms persist, rather than automatically increasing medication doses.
If your arthritis pain continues despite treatment, researchers say it is worth asking your doctor to look at sleep, mood and weight as possible drivers rather than just adjusting medication.
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