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Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Journey to Get Relief from Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and limitation in the movement and function of multiple joints. It is a progressive condition that can damage joints and lead to permanent disability. According to latest reports, around 1.5 million Americans are living with this disease. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and slow disease progression. Here is an overview of the different treatment options available for rheumatoid arthritis.
Lifestyle Changes and Physical Activity
For any chronic health condition, lifestyle modifications are always the first line of defense. Simple steps like maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact physical activities, managing stress levels and getting adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Physical therapies like exercise, water therapy and low-impact aerobics can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and maintain joint function without putting unnecessary pressure on joints. A balanced diet focused on whole foods is also essential to support the body’s natural healing and coping mechanisms.
Medication Therapies
Drug therapies form an integral part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. They aim to reduce inflammation, slow joint damage and manage symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for short-term relief from pain and swelling. However, long-term use of NSAIDs may increase risk of side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate are now preferred for their disease-modifying capabilities. They can significantly slow progression when taken regularly. For patients with active inflammation, biologic DMARDs that target specific proteins involved in inflammation offer robust control. Corticosteroids may also be used in short courses to rapidly reduce flare-ups.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Many complementary approaches are proving beneficial as adjuvant therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. Supplements like turmeric, boswellia, ginger and devil’s claw contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Acupuncture therapy helps address underlying imbalances and reduces sensitivity. Massage can relax stiff muscles and promote circulation. Some patients find relief through mind-body practices like yoga, tai chi and meditation which aid stress management. Hydrotherapy or knee braces may support affected joints. Dietary supplements of fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids also show positive impact on symptoms. Choosing wisely from natural options along with prescribed medications can give more robust relief.
Surgical Interventions
For joints severely damaged by rheumatoid arthritis, surgical procedures may become necessary to repair, replace or reconstruct joints. Options include joint fusion or arthrodesis to permanently immobilize a problematic joint. Synovectomy removes the inflamed synovial lining around joints to relieve symptoms. Joint replacement surgeries involving partial or full replacement of affected wrist, fingers, elbows, hips and knees help restore mobility and function when conservative treatments cease to provide relief. While success varies based on each case, surgeries should ideally be considered later in the treatment process after medications and lifestyle changes have been optimally tried.
Support from Physical and Occupational Therapy
Maintenance of maximal joint mobility and functionality is the goal in rheumatoid arthritis care. Physiotherapy helps preserve range of motion through specific exercises, stretches and joint protection techniques. Occupational therapy teaches skills, adaptations and assistive devices to perform daily activities pain-free with minimal stress on joints. Regular therapy sessions are vital for slowing functional decline, decreasing reliance on medications over time and improving quality of life. Both modalities, when combined with medication and self-care regimens, enable improving and sustaining physical function despite persistent joint inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis.
Adjust Treatments Based on Disease Activity
Rheumatoid arthritis is a heterogeneous disease with variable disease courses. Treatment goals may change depending on a patient’s current symptoms, disease progression and response to earlier interventions. The FDA-approved treat-to-target approach suggests a treatment plan backed by regular monitoring of disease activity levels using tools like DAS28 scores. When inflammation is low, therapies can be simplified. However, signs of worsening usually warrant strengthening medication regimens. Close follow-up with a rheumatologist allows tailoring treatments according to the unique needs of each arthritis patient. This stepwise escalation or tapering of drug types and doses helps achieve optimal long-term control of symptoms and joint damage.
Conclusion
With advancements in diagnosis and therapies, today patients can reasonably expect living well with rheumatoid arthritis when availing comprehensive care combining medications, lifestyle optimizations, assistive supports and tight disease monitoring. Focusing on reducing inflammation, halting joint damage and preserving mobility offers the best chance to minimize disability. While a cure remains elusive, a multidisciplinary approach provides the necessary toolkit for effective long-term management of this challenging condition. Individualized and proactive treatment strategies centered on the patient’s functional abilities and symptoms promise much brighter outcomes.
*Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
