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Featuring Dr. John Wade, MD, FRCPC Vancouver, BC

Gout Treatment Side Effects

Common symptoms

  • Joint pain and tenderness
  • Swelling in the joints
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Low-grade fever
  • Reduced range of motion

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness, most commonly in the hands, wrists, feet, and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect joints on both sides of the body (for example, both wrists or both knees), which helps distinguish it from some other types of arthritis.

Arthritic Nutrition: MINDS MUSCLE MEALS

The power of nutritional management with arthritic conditions.

Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Rheumatologist, and a Registered Dietician, and a Kinesiologist, talk about Arthritis - the health benefits of tomatoes

Tomatoes and joint symptoms

Some people believe tomatoes and other nightshade vegetables worsen arthritis. However, there is currently insufficient evidence that tomatoes generally increase arthritis inflammation, so routinely avoiding them isn’t recommended unless an individual has a consistent, personally observed reaction.

For osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, tomatoes are best considered one nutritious component of an overall balanced diet, rather than a specific arthritis remedy.

Tomatoes and arthritis

Tomatoes can be a healthy addition to an arthritis-friendly diet, but they are not a treatment or cure for arthritis.

  • Lycopene: Tomatoes are one of the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect cells from oxidative stress. Cooking tomatoes can increase the amount of lycopene that the body can absorb.

  • Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and normal connective-tissue function.

  • Other antioxidants: Tomatoes also provide carotenoids and other plant compounds that contribute to overall antioxidant intake.

  • Potential anti-inflammatory effects: Some research suggests tomato compounds may influence inflammatory processes, but there isn’t strong evidence that eating tomatoes alone significantly reduces arthritis pain or disease activity.

  • Heart health: Tomatoes can fit into a heart-healthy eating pattern, which is particularly relevant for people with rheumatoid arthritis, who have increased cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Health benefits of Eggplant in relation to arthritis.

Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Rheumatologist, and a Registered Dietician, and a Kinesiologist, talk about the health benefits of Lettuce in relation to arthritis management.

Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Rheumatologist, and a Registered Dietician, and a Kinesiologist, talk about the health benefits of Beets in relation to arthritis management.

Featuring Dr. Jason Kur, MD, FRCPC Vancouver, BC

Symptoms and treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment

The main goals are to control inflammation, prevent joint damage, relieve symptoms, and maintain mobility and quality of life.

  • DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs): These are the main long-term treatments. Examples include methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. Methotrexate is commonly used as an initial treatment.

  • Biologic medicines: If conventional DMARDs aren’t adequately controlling the disease, biologic treatments may be used. Examples include TNF inhibitors and other targeted biologic drugs.

  • JAK inhibitors: These targeted medicines are another option for some adults with moderate-to-severe RA.

  • NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen, or similar medicines can reduce pain and inflammation, but they do not prevent RA from progressing. They aren’t suitable for everyone.

Rheumatoid arthritis: symptoms and treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of joints, causing inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because persistent inflammation can lead to permanent joint damage.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, often beginning in the hands, wrists, or feet.

  • Morning stiffness, typically lasting longer than 30 minutes and often longer than the stiffness seen with osteoarthritis.

  • Warmth and swelling around affected joints.

  • Symptoms often affect joints on both sides of the body, although this isn’t always the case.

  • Fatigue, low energy, reduced appetite, fever, or weight loss can occur.

  • In some people, RA can affect areas outside the joints, including the eyes, lungs, heart, and skin.

Dr Kamran Shojania, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Lifestyle Changes with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dr Kamran Shojania, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dr Kamran Shojania, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritic Exercise: MINDS MUSCLE MEALS

Power of exercise in dealing with arthritic conditions.

Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Home Exercise Program - Walking

Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Home Exercise Program - Lateral Raise

Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Home Exercise Program - Plank

Dr. John Watterson, MD, FRCPC , Vancouver, BC

Your treatment team for rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Corticosteroids: Steroids can provide rapid relief during significant inflammation or while waiting for a DMARD to take effect. Long-term use is generally avoided because of potential side effects.

  • Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: These can help maintain strength, flexibility, joint function, and independence.

  • Surgery: Severely damaged joints may occasionally require procedures such as joint replacement.

Types of Exercise for Arthritis:
  • Low-Impact Activities:Walking, swimming, cycling, and water aerobics are generally recommended as low-impact options that are gentle on the joints.
  • Range of Motion Exercises:These exercises focus on improving joint flexibility and mobility.

    Strengthening Exercises:These exercises help build muscle strength to support and protect joints.

    Aerobic Exercise:Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can improve cardiovascular health and endurance

Dr. Navjot Dhindsa, Rheumatologist, Surrey, BC

Rheumatologist talks about treatment options for RA

Lifestyle and diet

Regular low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help maintain mobility and fitness. A balanced or Mediterranean-style diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, and unsaturated fats—is reasonable for overall health, although no specific food cures RA.

Chronic pain, inflammation, and stress from living with arthritis can directly worsen mental well-being, while mental health struggles can, in turn, exacerbate physical arthritis symptoms, creating a “chicken-and-egg” cycle. Managing both physical and mental health is crucial for individuals with arthritis, and strategies can include exercise, good sleep, social support, and seeking professional help

Dr. John Watterson, MD, FRCPC , Vancouver, BC

Your treatment team for rheumatoid arthritis.

Healthcare team for rheumatoid arthritis, management often involves several professionals:

  • Rheumatologist: Leads diagnosis and medical treatment, including DMARDs and biologic medicines.

  • Family doctor/primary-care provider: Coordinates general care, referrals, vaccinations, and monitoring.

  • Physiotherapist: Helps maintain joint movement, muscle strength, posture, and physical function.

  • Occupational therapist: Helps with hand function, daily activities, joint protection, and assistive devices.

  • Pharmacist: Helps with medication use, interactions, side effects, and adherence.

  • Dietitian: Can provide individualized nutrition advice, particularly if weight, cardiovascular risk, or dietary concerns are involved.

  • Orthopedic surgeon: May become involved when severe joint damage requires surgical treatment.

  • Psychologist or counsellor: Can help with coping with chronic pain, fatigue, stress, or changes in daily functioning.

Isometric exercise is a beneficial and low-impact option for people with arthritis because it strengthens muscles without moving the joints, which can reduce pain and aggravation

By contracting muscles and holding positions without joint motion, these exercises build strength, improve joint stability, and can even have a pain-relieving effect. Examples include holding a squat, pressing palms together, or doing a abdominal contraction