What is the Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The aim of treatment is to provide pain relief, decrease joint inflammation, maintain or restore joint function, prevent bone and cartilage destruction, and to maximize quality of life. Aggressive and early rapid control of inflammation is now the common approach to therapy. Current guidelines recommend that the majority of patients with newly diagnosed RA should be started on DMARD therapy within three months of diagnosis. • Education – understanding the disease, management of symptoms • Rest and exercise -Physical Therapy helpful to manage a good balance • Joint protection – splints, braces, supports, assistive devices • Diet – fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation • Medication • NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – these drugs decrease joint inflammation and pain. They will help improve joint function by providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, these drugs do not change the course of the disease or joint dam
