In the last 10 years new medical therapies have come onto the market to not only treat rheumatoid arthritis but also actually stop the disease from its destructive course.

Patients with mild, even tolerable symptoms are often encouraged to take these medications. There are two reasons for this. First even people with no symptoms or mild symptoms can have ongoing joint changes that can lead to permanent damage.

Second, RA isn't a disease of the joints. It's a systemic disease that affects the joints as well as other parts of the body. The skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system can all be affected. Keeping this disease process in check is a good idea. Once it becomes more symptomatic it may be too late.

If you still decide to go without drug treatment, make regular visits to the doctor. Lab tests and imaging studies can help track the course of your disease. This information may help you in your future decision-making.