Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, is a type of inflammatory arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation (see Reference 1), about 1.3 million Americans live with rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure for RA. However, the condition can be treated and managed with medications, home care and possibly surgery. If rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed and treated early, you have a better chance of reducing the damage to your joints and retaining your mobility.
Medications
Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you manage your symptoms and relieve inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis medications may also help slow the progression joint damage. These drugs include corticosteroids (like Prednisone) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), such as Naproxen. Your doctor may also prescribe DMARDs, or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, which can prevent joint damage. Other medications that may help treat rheumatoid arthritis include immunosuppressants, such as Cyclosporine, TNF-alpha inhibitors, anakinra (an injection), abatacept and rituximab. Before deciding on the best medication for your condition, talk with your doctor about the possible side effects and any drug interactions.
Home Remedies
Along with medications, there are some simple home remedies you can try to help relieve your pain and inflammation. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. While a certain diet can't treat rheumatoid arthritis, it can help improve your overall health and manage your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the pressure on your joints. Ask your doctor about an exercise plan. Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or tai chi, can help build muscle around the joints. However, don't exercise if you feel pain. Alternate applying heat and cold packs to your painful joints. Cold packs, such as a bag of frozen peas, can numb your pain. Applying heat, such as a heating pad, can help relieve inflammation and relax the area. You can also soak your joints in cold water or take a hot shower.
Surgery
If medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control your symptoms and halt the damage to your joints, you may need to consider surgical options. Surgery can help reduce your pain. It can also help repair joints that have been deformed by RA. If you need a total joint replacement, or arthroplasty, your joint will be replaced by a prosthesis. You may also need some tendons repaired or the joint lining removed. When an inflamed joint lining is removed, this is called a synovectomy. Another option is an arthrodesis, in which two bones are fused together. This can relieve pain but it will also limit your movements. All surgery carries some risk. Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of your options with your doctor.
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