Treatment and Medication Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

 Treatment and Medication Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

To treat RA, doctors aim to stop the progression of the disease by reducing symptoms, controlling inflammation, minimizing joint and organ damage, and improving physical function.

Proven treatments include medication and physical therapy. Early, aggressive measures can help control symptoms and complications before the disease significantly worsens, by reducing or altogether stopping inflammation as quickly as possible.

This strategy is essential to preventing disability, and it usually amounts to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes more than one medication at a time.

Medication Options 

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in medicines for treating RA, but there is still no cure. Medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are considered the gold standard for RA treatment.

DMARDs can change or slow the progression of the disease, helping prevent severe joint damage and other complications.

In general, these drugs work by slowing the inflammation and protecting the joints from further damage, and are generally prescribed shortly after diagnosis. The type of DMARD a doctor prescribes depends on several factors, including disease severity and the balance between the medication's benefits and potential side effects.

Biologics and JAK inhibitors are newer options alongside traditional DMARDs. Traditional DMARDs target the entire immune system, while biologics work by targeting specific steps in the inflammatory process, and JAK inhibitors block action in your body to help prevent the inflammation before it starts. Traditional DMARDs are usually taken in pill form, as are JAK inhibitors; biologics are typically injected or delivered via an intravenous infusion.

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and corticosteroids are used to treat pain and inflammation.

 But the latest treatment guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology recommend that steroid use be minimized.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies may be beneficial — in addition to the conventional treatment of medication, physical therapy, and surgery — if needed.

 RA symptoms

Some people have found relief from RA symptoms through acupuncture, tai chi, and yoga, though the scientific evidence supporting this isn't particularly conclusive.

 Complementary Therapies

such as homeopathy, hydrotherapy, or cryotherapy, might also be worth considering to help relieve RA pain and stiffness.

Relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, group counseling, and psychotherapy can help reduce the stress of living with RA. Sleeping well is also an important part of managing symptoms.

You should always check with your medical provider before trying any complementary or alternative therapies.

Many people can manage RA with medication and physical therapy, but joint surgery may be an option if your joint damage is severe and limiting your quality of life.