You’ve been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Every rheumatologist agrees you should start treatment as soon as possible. But something is standing in the way.
That’s frustrating, and it’s more common than most people realize. The good news is that you aren’t stuck. There are steps you can take on your own, and steps your Chicago rheumatologist can take, to help protect your joints while you wait.
This article is for educational purposes only. Please talk with your personal physician before making any changes to your care.
Why Arthritis Treatment Gets Delayed
Even when the diagnosis is clear, starting treatment isn’t always simple. Common reasons for delays include:
- Long wait times to see a rheumatology specialist
- High medication costs, especially for biologic drugs
- Insurance hurdles, including one prior authorization after another
- Other personal or logistical barriers that make it hard to get started
Inflammatory arthritis can keep progressing during these gaps. That’s why it helps to know what you can control right now.
An Important Reality Check
If your inflammatory arthritis is severe, medication is what you truly need. Lifestyle changes alone can’t replace proper treatment.
Still, the steps below may help move things in the right direction until you can start the treatment plan your doctor recommends.
What You Can Do on Your Own
1. Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The American College of Rheumatology recommends a Mediterranean-style diet for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This way of eating focuses on reducing inflammation through everyday food choices.
A Mediterranean-style approach generally means:
- Eating plenty of vegetables
- Choosing lean proteins
- Cutting back on red meat
- Avoiding or limiting refined sugars and processed foods
- Drinking alcohol only in moderation
You don’t need a perfect diet. Small, steady changes add up over time.
2. Keep Moving, Even When You Hurt
It may feel natural to rest when your joints are painful. But staying active is still important.
Low-intensity, low-impact movement helps keep your muscles strong, and strong muscles help protect your joints. Good options can include:
- Walking
- Swimming or water exercise
- Gentle stretching
- Stationary cycling
Your activity level may be much lower than usual, and that’s okay. The goal is to keep some level of movement going rather than stopping completely.
What Your Physician Can Do to Help
Many patients don’t realize their doctor has options beyond waiting for a specific medication to be approved.
Medication Samples
Some physicians can provide medication samples to help you start treatment temporarily while insurance or cost issues are worked out.
Combinations of Traditional Medications
Your rheumatologist can get creative. Older, non-biologic medications can be used alone or combined to provide some relief. These include:
- Methotrexate
- Leflunomide
- Sulfasalazine
- Hydroxychloroquine
These may not fully control your condition, but they can help get you on the right track while you work toward your long-term treatment plan.
Clinical Trials
Physicians often have access to clinical trials that may offer a path to treatment. A trial could help bring your condition under control sooner. Ask your doctor whether one might be a good fit for you.
Don’t Wait in Silence
Waiting for proper arthritis treatment in Chicago, or anywhere, can feel discouraging. But you don’t have to sit back and hope for the best.
Talk openly with your physician about the barriers you’re facing. The more they know, the more options they can explore with you. Taking action now can help:
- Stabilize your condition
- Reduce unnecessary suffering
- Prevent your arthritis from progressing needlessly
Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Chicago
At Chicago Arthritis and Regenerative Medicine, our team provides arthritis care for a wide range of conditions, from autoimmune disease treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to osteoarthritis treatment and chronic pain management.
As a leading practice for regenerative medicine in Chicago, we also offer options such as PRP therapy for patients seeking joint pain relief from conditions like osteoarthritis. For inflammatory arthritis, regenerative treatments are not a replacement for disease-controlling medication, but they may be one part of a broader, personalized plan.
Conclusion
A delay in treatment doesn’t mean you’re out of options. An anti-inflammatory diet, regular low-impact movement, and an honest conversation with your doctor about samples, traditional medications, or clinical trials can all help protect your joints, both now and in the long term.
Ready to take the next step? Visit ChicagoArthritis.com to learn more about our rheumatology and regenerative medicine services or to connect with a Chicago rheumatologist.
The Real Goal of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
First-Line Treatment for Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Mild Rheumatoid Arthritis: Do You Always Need Strong Medication?