Video: How PCPs should approach new rheumatoid arthritis guidelines

New guidance from the American College of Rheumatology strongly recommends that patients with rheumatoid arthritis engage in physical exercise when possible.

In this video, Bryant England, MD, PhD, an associate professor in the division of rheumatology at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, and Benjamin J. Smith, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, associate dean at the Florida State University College of Medicine, discuss the implications of the guidance — titled “Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis” — for primary care providers.

England and Smith highlighted the importance of consistent physical activity for rheumatoid arthritis, despite previous concerns that it may cause unfavorable health outcomes through acceleration of associated joint damage. That, however, “is not something that we need to be concerned about,” England said.

“I think this is a really important recommendation for primary care providers, who oftentimes are talking with patients about lifestyle modification [and] chronic disease prevention,” he said. “What we need to do is encourage these patients with rheumatoid arthritis to be active.”

References:

• 2022 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guideline for exercise, rehabilitation, diet and additional integrative interventions for rheumatoid arthritis. https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/Integrative-RA-Treatment-Guideline-Summary.pdf. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022.