Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, several options may help lessen joint pain and ease inflammation. Most rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans start with medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, to address symptoms, with some cases advancing to chemotherapy. Physical and occupational therapies also help patients alter their actions so everyday tasks do not inflict as much pain. For very aggressive rheumatoid arthritis, some people undergo surgery. Patients may also find relief in lifestyle changes.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that targets healthy joints, causing extreme pain, swelling, and stiffness. Medications can help erase or ease the pain and possibly slow the disease’s progression. Many rheumatoid arthritis treatment approaches use disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to reduce joint inflammation. Patients also may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management. NSAIDs are available over the counter, but patients probably will receive stronger prescribed doses when used in a rheumatoid arthritis treatment program.
Other medications for rheumatoid arthritis include steroids and immunosuppressants. Steroids target rheumatoid arthritis pain by reducing inflammation. This is often a short-term rheumatoid arthritis treatment because sustained use can lead to diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, and other negative side effects. If other medications fail, immunosuppressants are another option for rheumatoid arthritis treatment because they help prevent the immune system from attacking healthy joints. This is another temporary approach because long-term use makes patients susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
Although typically used for cancer, chemotherapy is a rheumatoid arthritis treatment option for aggressive forms of the disease. Low-dose chemotherapy cycles slow cell reproduction, which can help stave off inflammation. Unlike medications with a more immediate effect, chemotherapy can take weeks or months to help rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Some rheumatologists recommend physical and other related therapies as additional rheumatoid arthritis treatments. Physical therapy helps maintain range of motion and encourages daily movement to maintain muscle, joint, and bone health. Therapists help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers develop exercise plans that work around and with the illness. Occupational therapy provides an alternate way to accomplish everyday tasks that have become too painful because of rheumatoid arthritis. Therapists suggest different approaches to movements and help patients use devices to assist with activities such as cooking or dressing.
Advanced or aggressive rheumatoid arthritis sometimes requires surgery. There are several surgical interventions available. Less invasive surgeries remove inflamed or damaged joint tissue pieces or excise joint lining. Other cases require total joint replacement. In more serious cases when replacement is not an option, a surgeon may perform joint fusion.
Regardless of the rheumatoid arthritis treatment used, lifestyle changes can help patients manage the disease. Losing weight puts less stress on painful joints. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or visualization, may also provide coping strategies to handle or minimize pain.