<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nRheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune <\/strong>and inflammatory disease<\/strong>. In this your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. This leads to inflammation or painful swelling in the affected parts of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRA attacks many joints at once. viz. the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>W<\/strong>hy is it important to manage rheumatoid arthritis?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn rheumatoid arthritis there is swelling in the joints, and if the inflammation is not treated then it will keep on increasing. This can cause joint deformity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease, i.e the symptoms typically get worse. This can lower your quality of life. So it is important to manage rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the joints and some serious complications in the major organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What are the treatment options available now a day?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCurrently there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, the recent treatment modalities can control inflammation, reduce pain, prevent joint and organ damage that eventually reduces the long term complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment usually includes medications, occupational or physical therapy, and exercise. Some people need surgery to correct joint damage<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment:<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are several medications available for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Steroids, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs. The medication recommended by your doctor will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>NSAIDs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Many over the counter medications like ibuprofen<\/strong>, naproxen<\/strong> is used for the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome other stronger NSAIDs like Celecoxib<\/strong> is only available by prescription. They are usually long lasting in comparison to other over the counter medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe most common side effect of NSAIDs is gastrointestinal disturbance that may include burning sensation or irritation, peptic ulcer like disease and GI bleeding. It can also impair renal function and increase blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>S<\/strong>teroids:<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor severe RA or when symptoms flare up, your doctor may recommend steroids to reduce pain and stiffness. In most cases 7-14 days course of corticosteroid is used to control acute disease flare ups. But some people need to take steroids for a longer time to control pain and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commonly used corticosteroids are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Hydrocortisone<\/li>
- Prednisone and<\/li>
- Methylprednisone<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It can be taken as a pill or direct injection into the joint. The usual dose of predinisone is 5 to 10mg daily. Although prednisone can be started at higher doses (i.e 15 to 20mg daily)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steroid medications are associated with multiple side effects like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n