Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. It is a systemic disease, meaning that it can affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and lungs.
There is no cure for RA, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and improve the function of the joints. Treatment options for RA include:
- Medications: There are a variety of medications that can help relieve the pain and inflammation of RA. These medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion, strength, and flexibility of the joints.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help you adapt your daily activities to accommodate your RA.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain and improve the function of the joints.
What are the different types of medications used to treat RA?
There are three main types of medications used to treat RA:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are the most commonly used medications for RA. They help to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can be used to treat RA. However, they can have serious side effects, so they are usually only used for short-term treatment.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are a group of medications that help to slow the progression of RA. They are usually used for long-term treatment.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of rehabilitation that helps people to improve their range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Physical therapy can be an important part of the treatment for RA.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a type of rehabilitation that helps people to adapt their daily activities to accommodate their RA. Occupational therapy can help people to find ways to do the things they enjoy, even if they have RA.
What is surgery?
Surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain and improve the function of the joints in some cases of RA. There are a variety of surgical procedures that can be used to treat RA, including joint replacement surgery and synovectomy.
What are the side effects of RA treatment?
All medications have side effects, and the side effects of RA treatment can vary depending on the type of medication. Some of the most common side effects of RA treatment include:
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of infection
What is the prognosis for RA?
The prognosis for RA varies from person to person. However, most people with RA are able to live active lives with proper treatment. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with RA can avoid serious complications.