TREATMENT OPTIONS

There is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but with early diagnosis and starting early treatment, severe damage to your joints can be avoided, and the disease can be kept under control. People with RA can lead active lives with the help of the right lifelong treatments of medication, exercise and rest.

MEDICATIONS

There are three main medications used for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: NSAIDs, DMARDs, CORTICOSTEROIDS

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDS are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain and swelling. A common over-the-counter NSAID is ibuprofen, which can be purchased without a perscription. Stronger perscription NSAIDs are also used such as Naproxen, a sulpher based anti-inflammatory. These drugs are perscribed for the everyday inflammation that occurs with rheumatoid arthritis.

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs are drugs that are perscribed to prevent the worsening of the rheumatoid arthritis. It slows the biologic process of joint deterioration. The most common DMARD is methotrexate. It is often used in conjunction with NSAIDs, and other drugs such as hydrochloroquine.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are drugs that mimics cortisone, a hormone natural produced by the body. For rheumatoid Arthritis, they are used to treat extreme inflammation that is accompanied by severe pain and stiffness. However, because the side effects of taking corticosteroids is so serious (bruising, psychosis, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), cataracts, weight gain, susceptibility to infections, diabetes, and high blood pressure), treatment is often limited to short periods of time, and very low doses.

OTHER TREATMENTS

Other treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis include: Exercise, Heat/Cold Therapy, Joint Protection, and Surgery.

Exercise

Exercise is very important in maintaining health with rheumatoid arthritis. It maintains a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joints, and maintains flexibility, range of motion and strength in joints and muscles to reduce pain and swelling. Exercises with low impact are best such as swimming, cycling, and walking, combined with stretching and moderate strength training.

Heat/Cold Therapy

Alternating heat therapy and cold therapy can help symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. When joints are NOT inflamed, heat promotes blood circulation and and helps relax muscles to reduce pain. Cold therapy can be used when joints are inflamed and it will decrease swelling and pain to the joint area.

Joint Protection

Protecting joints is very important for people with rheumatoid arthritis. In order to do this, it is imperative to practice safe body mechanics when doing strenuous work, and also taking frequent rests between activities. Heavy lifting should be avoided, and slow fluid movements should be used to lessen the impact on joints. Repositioning often and using devices such as canes, or larger handles on utensils help to prevent sore joints.

Surgery

Some people may choose surgery as a treatment option if pain is really bad or the joint is not functional. Surgery usually consists of joint recontruction on whatever joints are causing the problem. This can involve realigning, fusing, or rebuilding damaged joint tissue.