Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful autoimmune disorder that affects thousands in this country every year. While there is no cure for the disease at this time, advances have been made in rheumatoid arthritis treatment that helps patients manage the pain more effectively and even slow the progression of the disease. The key to effective treatment options is an early rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis that allows treatment to begin as soon as possible. Once a diagnosis is made, a doctor and patient can work together to find the best rheumatoid arthritis treatment for the individual.

Medication

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment often begins with medication to relieve the pain and stop the disease progression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first step in reducing both pain and inflammation. Patients often begin with over the counter selections and move to prescription dosages if the former do not do the job effectively. Corticosteroids are another effective option for reducing pain and inflammation and slowing the progression of the disease. However, corticosteroids can only be used for short periods of time, because they can cause serious side effects.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are another good option in rheumatoid arthritis treatment because they can limit joint damage and slow the progression of the disease. These medications usually take weeks or even months to have the desired effect, so they are often prescribed at the same time as NSAIDs or corticosteroids for best results. The major drawback to this rheumatoid arthritis treatment is that it suppresses your entire immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and infection.

Biologics are some of the newest rheumatoid arthritis treatment available today. these medications are effective anti-inflammatory drugs that are often prescribed when other medications have not successfully reduced inflammation around painful joints. Some biologics also suppress the immune system in select areas, which can increase the risk of infection. This type of rheumatoid arthritis treatment should not be used in patients with an active infection. Medications used for rheumatoid arthritis will be selected based on the length of time the patient has had the disease and the severity of the symptoms. Medications with the highest risk of side effects are usually prescribed to patients with more severe cases.

When medications do not work as a rheumatoid arthritis treatment, surgery may also be needed to repair damaged joints and make them usable once again. Many patients also find medications work more effectively when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment yields fairly positive results in rheumatoid arthritis treatment for most patients today.