Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where white blood cells suddenly attack healthy tissues, specially joints and cartilage. Depending on which stage of the disease you are in, there are a few ways to help ease the symptoms of arthritis reumatoide.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder for which there is no known cure. Because rheumatoid arthritis presents itself in many different forms and ways, treatment must be designed for the individual, taking into account the severity of the arthritis, other medical conditions and lifestyle.

It therefore requires a comprehensive program that combines medical, social and emotional support for the patient. The main goal of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to reduce pain, discomfort, prevent deformities and loss of joint function, and maintain a productive and active life.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatments are most often medications, reduction in joint stress, surgical intervention, exercise, and life style change.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments In Early Stages

Anti rheumatic drug (DMARD) is helpful in rheumatoid arthritis treatment in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Anti rheumatic drug has done an excellent job in controlling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It works best in the early stages.

Thus see your doctor as soon as possible, if you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments In Later Stages

There are other rheumatoid arthritis treatment options if you are in later stages of rheumatoid arthritis. These rheumatoid arthritis treatments are even helpful if you are still in early stages.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

Proper medication treatment is important in controlling your rheumatoid arthritis. Commonly used drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment are:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These drugs are used in the reduction of inflammation and relieving pain. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin and COX-2 inhibitors such as valdecoxib and celecoxib are some of the common drugs.

However, anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects including heart problems and gastrointestinal bleeding. You can also use acetaminophen for your rheumatoid arthritis, which does not have these side effects.

Analgesic Drugs

These drugs relieve pain, but do not necessarily have an effect on inflammation. Some of these medications include: acetaminophen, propoxyphene, mepeidine, and morphine.

Glucocorticoids or Prednisone

These drugs are prescribed in low maintenance doses to slow joint damage cause by inflammation.

Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

These rheumatoid arthritis treatment drugs are used with NSAIDs and/or prednisone to slow joint destruction caused by rheumatoid arthritis over time. Some of these medications are: methotrexate, injectable gold, penicillamine, azathioprine, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and oral gold.

Biological Response Modifiers

These drugs inhibit proteins called cytokines which contribute to inflammation. Some of these drugs include: etanercept, infliximab, adaliumumab and anakinra.

Protein-A Immuoadsorption Therapy

Although this is not a drug, this is a therapy that filters the blood to remove antibodies and immune complexes that promote inflammation.

Exercise

When you feel the mild symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, moderate exercising including stretching, weight lifting, and aerobics ease these symptoms. Be sure to rest when your joints outbreak as this would just add strain to your aching joints.

Stretching Exercise

Stretching is important because it increases flexibility and is easy enough to do at any age. When you feel mild discomfort while stretching then hold for 10 to 30 seconds. After holding for few seconds repeat stretching for 3 to 5 times.

Weight lifting

Another exercise, which helps in improving flexibility, is weight lifting. Along with flexibility weight lifting also helps in improving strength and balance. Barbells are easy, convenient, and inexpensive.

Remember to stretch before lifting any weights. Start with 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions. Add weights when you can if you would like you like to start with no weights at all. Lift the weights slowly and evenly to not damage the cartilage.

Other Exercises

Aqua therapy and Tai Chi are other popular forms of exercise for rheumatoid arthritis. Be sure to find a genuine therapist as they have specific exercises they do for arthritis patients. Aerobics instructors may push to far and do further damage.

Tai Chi has no long-term studies proving its efficiency. But because of testimonials from patients who have taken Tai Chi, the Arthritis Foundation began offering the class. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Reduction in Joint Stress

Ideal body weight should be achieved and maintained. The less you weigh the less stress on the musculoskeletal system. Generally, rest is an important feature of management. Vigorous activity should be avoided when the joints are actively inflamed, because they can intensify joint inflammation or cause a traumatic injury to structures weakened by the inflammation. Conversely, patients should be encouraged to maintain a modest level of activity to prevent laxity and muscular atrophy. Immobilizing acutely inflamed joints particularly at night and using walking aids like canes or walkers are all effective means of reducing stress on specific joints. Consulting with therapist is always recommended early in the course.

Arthritis Surgery

The decision to have surgery is a complex one because lots of things must be taken into consideration, such as the motivation and goals of the patient and their ability to undergo rehabilitation and their general medical status.

Synovectomy is one form of surgical approach but is not ordinarily recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, mainly because the relief is only momentary. However, an exception is synovectomy of the wrist, which is recommended for intense synovitis that has been continual for over six to twelve months despite medical treatments.

Joint arthroplasties of the knee, hip, wrist and elbow are highly successful. Arthroplasty of the MCP joints can also reduce pain and improve function. Other operations include removal of symptomatic rheumatoid nodule, release of nerve entrapments like carpal and tunnel syndrome, and arthroscopic procedures.

Other Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

Weight loss to take additional pressure off joints, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, using heat or ice, and possibly using devices such as a cane, brace, or splint are other rheumatoid arthritis.

There are many resources for additional information on rheumatoid arthritis treatments including websites, flyers, periodicals, books, etc. Your doctor should be able to provide you with some reference on where to look for additional help.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment should start with education about the disease, the possibility of joint damage and disability, and the risks and benefits of potential treatments. Along term-treatment plan should be developed by patients and their health professionals.