Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes medications, both over the counter and prescription, to relieve the discomfort and pain and reduce inflammation. Even, though, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis medication can help slow joint damage. Physical and occupational therapy is often recommended to teach patients how to better protect their joints and work with their arthritis. Surgery is sometimes recommended when joints become severely damaged by arthritis.

Medications used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment can have potentially serious side effects and Doctors will typically prescribe the medications that have the fewest side effects while still being an effective treatment for the patient. NSAID’s, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce joint inflammation and relieve pain. Over the counter NSAID’s, include ibuprofen and naproxen. Stronger NSAID’s are available with a Doctor’s prescription. Possible side effects with rheumatoid arthritis treatments involving NSAID’s include stomach irritation, liver and kidney damage, stomach irritation, heart problems and ringing in the ears.

Steroids used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain, as well as slow potential joint damage. There are some side effects that include weight gain and the potential of developing diabetes thinning bones and cataracts. A steroid based medication is often used to relieve acute rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The overall goal is to eventually taper off the steroid use and use the NSAID’s.

Medications called immunosuppressants are used to tame the immune system, which is usually out of whack, are used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The side effect is the medication can increase susceptibility to infection while rearranging the immune system.

Another rheumatoid arthritis treatment is TNF alpha inhibitors. THF alphas are an inflammatory substance produced by the human body. The inhibitors will help to reduce pain tender and swollen joints, as well as morning stiffness. Like all other medications, there are potential side effects that include congestive heart failure, serious infections and the development of certain cancers.

There are other drugs that are very effective for rheumatoid arthritis treatment and target joint inflammation. The medication includes Actemra, Rutuxan, Orencia and Kineret. The side effects include sore throat, runny nose, headache and abdominal pain.

Physical therapy is sometimes prescribed as rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The physical therapist will show the arthritis patient exercises that keep joints flexible. Part of the therapy process is to learn new and improved ways to go about daily tasks that will be less impactful on joints. Devices that offer assistance will make it easier and minimize stress on joints. Specially designed grabbing and gripping tools are available at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

Surgery is a last resort when treating rheumatoid arthritis when prescriptions or over the counter medications are no longer effective. Repair or replacement of arthritic joints may help restore the ability to use that joint without pain or aberration. Surgery will also correct deformities, replace joints, repair tendons and fuse joints for stability or realignment purposes. Fusion is usually recommended when replacement is not possible. Whatever rheumatoid arthritis treatment is undertaken should be a collaboration of patient and Doctor.