What Are The Treatment Options For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at reducing inflammation to the joints, relieving pain, minimizing any disability caused by pain, joint damage or deformity, and either slowing down or preventing damage to the joints. There is no current cure for the disease. With the help of an occupational therapist and physical therapist (UK: physiotherapist) patients can learn how to protect their joints. Depending on the degree of damage to the joints, surgery may sometimes be needed. If the patient has had inflamed joints for over six weeks the GP (general practitioner, primary care physician) will most likely refer him/her to a rheumatologist (an arthritis specialist doctor), so that diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment started as soon as possible.
