The primary aim of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is to decrease the amount of inflammation present in a patient’s joints, reduce pain, slow down or prevent damage, and help the individual maintain as active a life as possible. There is evidence which clearly indicates that early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the potential for damage and limit the overall impact of the condition. Lifestyle changes and drug treatments are the main strategies that are prescribed.

There are many different medicines which are given to help treat RA. The aim of the drugs used are twofold. Some help to relieve symptoms whereas others are effective at slowing down the progress of the disease. As rheumatoid arthritis sufferers experience differing severity of symptoms, it can take time to find a treatment program that is effective.

Painkillers are usually given to help reduce the amount of pain that an individual may feel as a result of RA. The most commonly used painkiller is paracetamol. In severe conditions codeine and opiate-based medications can be prescribed.

Your family doctor may recommend that you use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help control the inflammation that is a primary symptom of this condition. There are two main types of NSAIDs that are given today, and each works in a slightly different way. The traditional NSAIDs are naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, whereas the second grouping, known as coxibs, include celecoxib and etoricoxib. NSAIDs can also help to relieve pain as well as lessening inflammation, but they do not have an impact on the progression of the disease.

Your doctor should discuss with you what type of NSAID you should be taking, as well as highlighting the particular benefits and risks of each option. It should be noted that NSAIDs are not usually given to people who have asthma, peptic ulcers, angina, or who have a history of cardio-vascular problems. If you are given NSAIDs, you may also be prescribed medication to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Self-medication should be avoided as this can result in unwanted side effects.

Another class of drugs which may be prescribed are corticosteroids. These help to reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain. They can be had in tablet form or are sometimes administered as an injection into the muscles close to affected joints. They are typically recommended when NSAIDs are not found to be providing relief.

Corticosteroids are usually given on a short term basis because prolonged usage can lead to serious side effects. Osteoporosis, weight gain, easy bruising, thinning of the skin, and muscle weakness can all arise due to excessive use of corticosteroids. Diabetes and glaucoma may worsen if present.

A lot of people with rheumatoid arthritis try out complementary therapies. Though the evidence which points to the effectiveness of such treatments is debatable, tens of thousands of individuals with RA claim that the benefits of such approaches are great. Acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy are but a few of the alternative therapies which are suggested to help relieve the symptoms of RA.