How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the linings of the joints. This means that the immune system has mistakenly recognized the joint linings as foreign invaders. As a result, the immune system attacks the joint linings and causes pain, inflammation and swelling in the joints. These conditions will ultimately lead to damage and deformity in the affected joints if left untreated.

Instructions

Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis the Smart Way

1. Take an anti-inflammatory agent. Anti-inflammatory medication reduces the inflammation and swelling of the joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Asprin and ibuprofen are common over the counter anti-inflammatory agents. Your doctor, however, may prescribe you something stronger.

2. Try a remittive drug. These are drugs designed to promote remission of rheumatoid arthritis. Remissions can last for weeks or even years on these drugs, if you find one that works for you. Methotrexate, plaquenil and gold salts are some common remittive agents your doctor may prescribe.

3. Determine with your doctor if a disease modifying anti rheumatic drug may be for you. These drugs, also known as DMARDs, are the second line of defense and are brought out when remittive agents fail to work or stop working. Administered by self-injection or intravenously at a clinic, DMARDs stop the inflammatory process in its tracks and can offer significant relief from symptoms. Enbrel, Humira and Remicade are the best known of the DMARDs.

4. Use ice liberally. When inflammation is active, joints are hot to the touch. Icing them at frequent intervals can help temporarily reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

5. Exercise frequently. Though you may not feel like it and it may be difficult, you must keep moving if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Exercising affected joints will help keep them strong and limber.

6. Use surgery as a last resort. Joint replacement surgery is the only sure way to permanently rid a joint of arthritis. However, surgery is painful and can be risky. Further, joint replacements only last 20 to 30 years, meaning younger patients may face a second replacement at some point. Surgery is usually only recommended in cases of extreme pain or joint damage, or when medications have failed to alleviate symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Most drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis have nasty potential side effects. Taking these drugs does not mean you will experience these side effects. However, you should be aware of what they are and be on the lookout for signs of them. If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor right away.

• Not all rheumatoid arthritis drugs have been tested for safety during pregnancy and some have proven to be harmful to developing fetuses. If you become pregnant while taking one of these drugs, tell your doctor immediately. A change of medication may be in order.

• As with any medical condition, seek the professional advice of your physician.