Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. For some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. The treatment for RA aims at managing symptoms, preventing joint damage, and maintaining function.
There are several steps and measures that medical professionals take to diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis:
Diagnosis
During the physical exam, doctors check your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth. They will also assess how well you can move your joints. Understanding the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had rheumatoid arthritis is crucial for a proper diagnosis. Various types of body fluids may be analyzed to pinpoint the type of arthritis you have.
Medications
The types of medications recommended by your doctor will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of your condition. Common medications include:
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage.
Treatment Strategies
There are three general classes of drugs commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs. Your doctor will decide the best course of action based on your specific condition.
Physical Examination
This usually includes examining your joints, observing your walking style, bending, and other activities of daily living. The goal is to understand the impact of the disease on your life and help in making a proper diagnosis.
Managing Symptoms and Preventing Joint Damage
Patients are encouraged to adhere to suggested treatments early in diagnosis to decrease the severity of symptoms. Treatment methods include medications, surgery, and daily routine and lifestyle changes.
Pain Management
Some of the most effective and widely used rheumatoid arthritis pain management practices include:
Choosing the right medications
Using heat and cold packs
Engaging in physical and occupational therapy
Following the right diet
Getting enough exercise
Attending pain clinics
Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Mayo Clinic: Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Cleveland Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
NIAMS: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis Treatment and Steps to Take
Rheumatoid Arthritis Org: RA Treatment
Healthline: 7 Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis Org: RA Pain Management
