Rheumatoid arthritis
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 repetetive 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
Instruction sheet for physical activity for people with rheumatoid arthritis - Exercise is Medicine
Recommendations for physical activity among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION
Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD
Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE
Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font
Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE
Figure: Evidence pyramid