| Although a cure for rheumatoid arthritis has not yet | | | | The types of drugs used include anti-inflammatory |
| been discovered, rheumatoid arthritis treatment plays | | | | medications and drugs that promote remission, as well |
| an integral part in managing this medical condition. | | | | as slow down the progression of the disease. |
| Characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and | | | | Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as cortisone and aspirin |
| surrounding tissues, this autoimmune disease is a | | | | are used for pain management and to reduce |
| progressive illness that causes a variety of symptoms. | | | | inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine, gold salts, |
| These include severe aches and pain, fatigue, loss of | | | | sulfasalazine and methotrexate are commonly used to |
| appetite, stiffness, and a lack of energy. | | | | slow down the progression of joint destruction and |
| Unfortunately the disease develops gradually, so it is | | | | promote remission. In cases where joint deformity is |
| not always possible to determine exactly when it | | | | severe, surgery may be necessary. |
| began. Some people find that the disease is active | | | | Non-drug therapies include physical therapy and |
| constantly, while others show signs of symptoms | | | | specific exercises to relieve pain and stiffness. Besides |
| intermittently. The specific symptoms, and the severity | | | | reducing inflammation, physical therapy can be used to |
| of pain and discomfort, depend entirely on the individual | | | | address particular effects of the disease and |
| and can be worse if a person is inactive for a long | | | | preserve the structure of joints. A combination of |
| period of time. | | | | relaxation techniques, finger splinting, ultrasound, and hot |
| The main goal of treating rheumatoid arthritis is to | | | | and cold therapies are used to achieve optimal results. |
| manage the pain, maximize the functioning of joints, | | | | A dietary plan is often recommended to ensure |
| and reduce inflammation. The prevention of joint | | | | patients receive plenty of essential nutrients, especially |
| damage and deformity also forms part of treatment. | | | | during periods when there is a loss of appetite. To help |
| Since the severity of the symptoms varies according | | | | with fatigue and restore energy, individuals are |
| to the case, treatment needs to be tailored to the | | | | encouraged to rest. |
| needs of each patient. Generally factors, such as age, | | | | In order for rheumatoid arthritis treatment to be |
| occupation, overall health, the types of joints that are | | | | successful, a patient needs to work closely with a |
| inflamed, and whether the disease is active or not, are | | | | medical health care provider. Anyone who continuously |
| all taken into consideration when deciding on a course | | | | follows an effective treatment plan designed for their |
| of treatment. | | | | particular case will have a better chance of |
| Rheumatoid arthritis treatment usually consists of a | | | | improvement. |
| combination of medications and non-drug therapies. | | | | |