How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also damage other organs and tissues, including the heart, lungs, skin, and eyes.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment can help to control the symptoms and prevent or slow joint damage. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and physical and occupational therapy.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, including:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve pain and inflammation. They include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are prescription medications that can slow or stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. They include methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine.
Biologic response modifiers (BRMs): BRMs are prescription medications that target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process. They include adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: JAK inhibitors are a newer class of medications that block the JAK enzyme, which is involved in the inflammatory process. They include tofacitinib and baricitinib.
The type of medication or combination of medications that is right for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your response to treatment.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage rheumatoid arthritis, including:
Exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and strengthen muscles. It is important to choose exercises that are low-impact and do not put strain on your joints.
Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce stress on your joints and improve your mobility.
Smoking cessation: Smoking can worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Stress management: Stress can trigger rheumatoid arthritis flares. Learning to manage stress through techniques such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi can help to improve your symptoms.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and increase function. Physical therapists can teach you exercises to improve your flexibility and strength. Occupational therapists can help you to find ways to do everyday activities with less pain and discomfort.
Alternative Therapies
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis find relief from alternative therapies, such as:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is thought to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help to relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation.
Herbal remedies: Some herbal remedies, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any alternative therapies to make sure they are safe for you.
Outlook
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, but with proper treatment, most people can live full and active lives. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment can help to control the symptoms and prevent or slow joint damage.
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