Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating condition that can lead to significant joint damage and affect overall health. The article emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, noting that physicians aim to slow the disease's progression with specialized medications. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle can also play a crucial role in prevention.

The impact of rheumatoid arthritis is considerable, with over three million healthy life years lost globally due to this inflammatory joint disease. The financial implications for treatment in Germany are substantial, ranging from €6,300 to over €28,000 annually per patient. In addition to treatment costs, patients also incur significant expenses due to lost work productivity, with many becoming partially disabled or retiring early due to the severity of their condition.

Preventive strategies, including a balanced lifestyle, can help mitigate these costs and improve patient outcomes. By reducing the incidence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis, not only can individual patients enhance their quality of life, but society as a whole can benefit from lower healthcare expenditures and increased productivity.