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Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Depending on the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will recommend you different treatments or a combination of treatments. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, however symptoms can be treated. You should also ask your doctor the interactions, and side effects that any treatment may have, and talk to them about the other medications and dietary supplements you may be taking.

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as paracetamol and codeine are effective pain relievers.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors are an effective to lower inflammation, stiffness and swelling within the joint. These drugs can also help with pain relief.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce pain, swelling and relieve inflammation. They can be administered via tablet or liquid form, or can be injected directly into the affected joint. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are specifically designed to treat inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid arthritis. They act on the immune system to suppress the attack on healthy joint tissue. DMARDs are also referred to as immunosuppressants. There is another kind of DMARDs called ‘biological’ DMARDs. These prevent particular substances entering the blood and the joints that produce swelling and inflammation.

You should discuss all potential side effects and options for any treatment with your doctor. It is important to take any of these medications with the full advice of your doctor for maximum benefit. Also, remember to discuss any medication or supplements you are currently on, as these can interact and cause further health problems in combination with some treatments.

An exercise program can be tailored to make the muscles around the affected joint stronger, and relieve pain in the area. Exercise can also help keep the joint mobile and prevent symptoms from worsening. Loosing weight, if necessary, also helps to relieve some of the pressure placed on joints. For every kilo you are overweight, your knees take an extra 3 to 5 kilograms of pressure, due to the downward forces of gravity and the impact we place on our legs as we walk.