Daily difficulties, the importance of treatment, and how to improve quality of life
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means dealing daily with a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints but can also affect other organs. More common among women (3-4:1 ratio), RA usually appears between the ages of 40 and 60, but can occur at any age , even in childhood.
🔍What is rheumatoid arthritis?
It is the most severe inflammatory joint disease , capable of causing progressive structural damage. But the real problem is that it is not limited to the joints : it can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, muscles, eyes, and even the nervous system.
📈Life expectancy with rheumatoid arthritis
The good news is that life expectancy has improved thanks to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies (such as biologics). However, RA can still be associated with premature mortality , particularly due to cardiovascular complications .
⚠️There is also an aggressive form of RA that can reduce life expectancy by 3 to 10 years, especially if not diagnosed and treated early.
♿️Can it cause disability?
Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause:
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Joint pain and stiffness
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Permanent deformities
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Loss of function of the hands, arms, or legs
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Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, washing, cooking
In Italy, you can apply for disability recognition if your working capacity is reduced by at least 33%. In some cases, you are also entitled to:
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Financial benefits
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Exemption from health care charges
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Work or mobility aids
📊 Useful information :
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25% of patients have difficulties in their free time and at work
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4% are completely disabled
🏃♀️The importance of physical exercise
Exercise is a true natural medicine for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It helps:
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Maintain joint mobility
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Strengthen your muscles
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Reduce pain and inflammation
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Improve self-esteem and mental well-being
Recommended activities:
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Gentle gymnastics and stretching
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Yoga and Tai Chi
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Light walks
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Water aerobics (ideal because it does not put any strain on the joints)
💡 Helpful tip : A little exercise every day is better than a vigorous session once a week. Even just walking regularly can make a difference.
🍽️Can diet help?
Absolutely. Nutrition affects inflammation, body weight, and quality of life.
✅Dietary advice:
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Follow the Mediterranean diet : fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, extra virgin olive oil, fish
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Avoid: ultra-processed foods, saturated fats, refined sugars
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Yes to: turmeric (anti-inflammatory), dried fruit, beans, foods rich in antioxidants
📉 Why is it important to lose weight?
Being overweight aggravates joint symptoms and systemic inflammation.
🎭Famous people with rheumatoid arthritis
Many well-known faces live or have lived with RA. Sharing their experiences helps raise awareness and break the silence surrounding this disease.
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Eleonora Giorgi : she has been living with RA for over 30 years, which causes her pain and limitations in movement.
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Anna Marchesini : suffering from an aggressive form of the disease, she faced the disease with courage, speaking out publicly to raise awareness.
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Caroline Wozniacki : Former world number 3 tennis player, she discovered RA in 2018 and has continued to compete, proving that with the right treatment, one can actively live with the disease .
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