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Results from an Arthritis Foundation survey about rheumatoid arthritis point to many life-altering consequences.

About The Survey

Five hundred people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 200 primary care physicians, and 100 rheumatologists were surveyed by Wirthlin Worldwide for the Arthritis Foundation. The survey was funded by a grant from Immunex Corporation and Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories and results were released around August 1998.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge

Survey Results

More than two-thirds of the survey respondents with rheumatoid arthritis claimed the disease prevents them from living a fully productive life, and when at its worst the disease impedes social interaction contributing to loneliness and isolation. The physicians and rheumatologists who participated in the survey concur that rheumatoid arthritis can be life-altering, but with early diagnosis and treatment the impact can be minimized.

Early, Aggressive Arthritis Treatment For Newly Diagnosed Patients

Aspects Of Daily Living

80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis said that every aspect of daily life is more difficult since the onset of the disease. Even small tasks, like getting dressed in the morning, can become a major effort.

• 70% of the people said when at their worst they give up exercise and household chores.
• 50% give up social activities with family and friends.

Most of the people surveyed said rheumatoid arthritis interferes with taking care of themselves and 52% said it affected taking care of their families. Also:

• 81% are frustrated by the feeling of no longer being in control.
• 66% claim getting out of bed is more difficult.
• 32% cannot get dressed when their rheumatoid arthritis is at its worst.

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Working

The survey results also revealed that 63% of those people who held a job when diagnosed have stopped working.

Can I Continue To Work?

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Arthritis And Social Security Disability

Drug Treatment Options

Only 7% of general practitioners and 13% of specialists are satisfied with current medication options. Nearly half of the general practitioners surveyed said the downfall of current treatment options is toxic side effects and adverse reactions, and nearly two-thirds of rheumatologists cite their lack of effectiveness. One in three people with rheumatoid arthritis are dissatisfied with their current treatment options too. 80% have had to either change or add medications since being diagnosed.

Arthritis Drugs: What Are My Options?

Arthritis Medications - Test Your Knowledge

Exercise

The survey also revealed that doctors recommend either physical therapy or regular exercise as part of disease management. Though 78% of patients believe in the value of exercise, only 46% exercise regularly.

Arthritis & Exercise Quiz

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Related Resources - Solving Difficult Issues

Arthritis can impose significant limitations, challenges, and problems into daily life. Learn more about developing effective coping strategies, better communication, and positive solutions to these issues.

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Related Resources - Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure. Early aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can help to manage the disease, and better control the pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

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_{Source: Arthritis Foundation from PRNewswire}