Rheumatoid Arthritis: Experts Weigh In

What Are the Complications of Untreated RA?

Untreated RA can result in severe joint deformity, as well as other complications affecting the lungs, heart, bones, eyes, and other parts of the body.

Everyday Health: What are the risks of untreated RA?

Alana B. Levine, MD: In the past, RA patients often developed deformities in their hands and other joints and went on to need joint-replacement surgeries due to the destruction caused by untreated joint inflammation. Fortunately, in 2013, we are able to offer patients a variety of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic drugs that can halt or slow the progression of RA. These medications greatly reduce the chances of disability and deformity that can result when RA goes untreated.

Joshua F. Baker, MD: Untreated, or incompletely treated, RA can result in joint destruction over years. Inflammation in the joints can cause breakdown of the normal structures, including the cartilage and bone. Once this destruction takes place, it is often irreversible and can result in chronic disability and pain. It is still difficult to predict which patients are likely to develop more aggressive joint damage over time, so it is important that all patients with RA are treated aggressively to avoid this complication. Untreated RA may also result in a higher risk for the other complications of RA, such as lung disease, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and possibly cancer.

Padmapriya Sivaraman, MD: Studies show that people who receive early treatment for RA feel better sooner and often lead an active life. They also are less likely to have joint damage and erosions that lead to cartilage loss and joint replacement. Untreated RA can lead to joint destruction and permanent joint deformities, which can be crippling. Research also shows that people with RA, mainly those whose disease is not well controlled, have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Members of the RA care team should discuss with patients the risks associated with RA and how to lower them.

Magdalena Cadet, MD: Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most-common type of chronic arthritis and affects a significant portion of the adult and pediatric population worldwide. This type of arthritis is characterized by significant inflammation, joint pain, joint swelling, and joint destruction. Patients want to avoid progression of joint destruction, which usually happens rapidly in the first two years of the disease. This irreversible damage to the bone can lead to severe joint deformities and disability, which may cause the individual to stop working. People living with untreated RA may not even be able to perform simple tasks such as gripping and picking up objects, combing their hair, or brushing their teeth. Chronic inflammation from untreated rheumatoid arthritis may result in significant complications like early heart disease and inflammation of other organs such as the eyes, lungs, blood vessels, liver, skin, and kidneys. Early diagnosis and treatment, therefore, is very important.

Barbara Mendez, MD: Patients with RA have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and lymphoma compared with the general population. Untreated RA can lead to joint deformity and disability, inflammation of blood vessels, and in rare cases amyloidosis, a disease that occurs when amyloid proteins build up in the organs.

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Last Updated: 08/15/2013