RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENTS
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments participate in an essential role in controlling the inflammation of the disorder and reducing joint destruction. The treatment incorporates a combination of drug therapy and other non-drug therapies, and in some cases it involve surgery. The treatment of RA must be customised to each patient’s specific case, which includes the severity of the disease, the side effects and the effectiveness of specific therapies.
The treatments selection may be different for a person with RA who has other illnesses, such as liver or kidneys disease. In order to create an effective and acceptable plan for treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is very important to work with a healthcare provider.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The purpose of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to control a patient’s signs and symptoms, to avoid joint damage, and to maintain quality of life and ability to function of the patient. The initial treatment of RA aims to reduce or to eliminate inflammation. Many drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis have potentially serious side effects. Doctors Usually prescribe medications with the fewest side effects first, or the risk of side effects from treatment must be weighed against the benefits.
Long-term medical care with routinly scheduled visits is important for the successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This care incorporates medical visits and tests to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and check for side effects.
Nonpharmacologic therapies are treatments other than medications and are the basic foundation of treatment for all person suffering RA. There are a vast variety of non-medication treatments available.
Education and counselling can assist you to better comprehend the characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and deal with the challenges of this condition.
Biofeedback and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may help in controlling Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.
Rest – Swollen joints should be rested, as exhaustion is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis but physical fitness should be maintained. If joint pain or limited joint movement interferes with exercising, the physical and occupational therapists should be looked for assistance with fitness programs,
Exercise is essential as inactivity can lead to a loss of joint motion, contractions, and a loss of muscle strength. Person with rheumatoid arthritis tends to become inactive as the pain and stiffness prompted. As a result, weakness decreases joint stability and increases fatigue over the time.
Physical therapy can alleviate pain, help maintain joint structure and function and minimise inflammation for patients with RA. Specific types of physical therapy are accustomed to address specific effects of RA such as the application of heat or cold to alleviate pain or stiffness, a consultation with a podiatrist who can design foot orthotics (equipments that make sure correct position of the foot) and supportive footwear. Reduce inflammation of the sheaths surrounding tendons (tenosynovitis) by Ultrasound.
Nutrition and dietary therapy – Dietary therapy helps to make sure that the patient eat a sufficient amount of calories and nutrients. Weight reduction might be advised for over weight and obese people to minimise pressure on swollen joints. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis possess a higher risk of getting coronary artery disease. Hypercholesterolaemia is one risk factor for coronary disease that can respond to modifications in diet. Arthritis pain and joint swelling have been modestly improved by fish oils and some plant oils, such as borage seed oil. However, there is no diet that can cure rheumatoid arthritis, neither herbal nor nutritional supplements, such as collagen or cartilage; these treatments can be harmful and are not generally recommended.
Smoking and alcohol – Studies have shown that smoking is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis and smoking cessation can improve disease. Smokers need to quit totally. Moderation of alcohol consumption is not hazardous to rheumatoid arthritis, event hough it might rise the chance of liver destruction from some drugs such as methotrexate.
Measures to minimise bone loss – Rheumatoid arthritis causes bone loss, that can lead to osteoporosis. The likelihood of bone loss is increase in persons who are inactive, and persons who are taking glucocorticoids, such as prednisone.
