Rheumatoid Arthritis: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes

You do your best to live a full, active life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But do you recognize any of these common missteps? If they sound familiar, it’s not too late to get back on track.1. Not Seeing a RheumatologistYour regular doctor may have diagnosed your RA. It’s still a good idea to see a specialist, too.Rheumatologists are doctors who are experts in treating RA and other types of arthritis. A rheumatologist will have the most training in the medicines that treat RA and in finding the right ones for you. If you don’t have one, ask your primary care doctor for a referral.2. Too Much Couch TimeYou need rest, just not too much.When you have joint pain and fatigue, it's hard to get up and get moving. But regular exercise is key for your health. Too much idle time makes pain, fatigue, and stiffness worse.When your RA flares, slow down but don’t stop. Do gentle flexibility exercises, like yoga and tai chi. You may also be able to do some exercises in a warm pool, but take it easy....