What are the non-surgical treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?
Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be treated non-surgically. A treatment plan is designed to control the disease, alleviate pain, maintain function (activities of daily living), and maximize quality of life. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, although there are medications that can relieve symptoms and slow disease progression. You can read more about the specifics of these medications here. A physical therapy (PT) program can help restore muscle strength, flexibility, improve mobility, coordination, and maintain body functions through exercise. Massage, hydrotherapy, and other modalities can help relieve pain. For people with rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a good diet, exercising (when your body allows it), and resting. It’s not that a healthy lifestyle will cure rheumatoid arthritis; rather, a healthy lifestyle will help you get through each day better and help you better deal with the effects of RA. I
