How to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Aihua
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with medications and traditional Chinese medicine. After diagnosis, doctors usually prescribe anti-rheumatic drugs such as leflunomide and methotrexate. Because long-term use of these drugs may lead to dependency and toxic side effects, biologic agents such as Remicade (infliximab) and ISEP can also be chosen for treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common condition in daily life that can pose serious threats to people's health. So, how is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with medications and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). After diagnosis, doctors typically prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as leflunomide and methotrexate. Because long-term use of these drugs may lead to dependency and toxic side effects, biologic agents like Enbrel (etanercept) and ISEP may also be chosen. These biologics act quickly and are highly effective in controlling the disease. Additionally, if patients suffer severe pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used in combination to help relieve discomfort. For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat internal rheumatic conditions, offering rich clinical experience and avoiding the side effects often associated with Western medicine. However, compared to biologics such as Enbrel and ISEP, the therapeutic effects of TCM are relatively slower, though their long-term outcomes may surpass those of biologics. Therefore, patients undergoing TCM treatment should maintain sufficient patience.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid fatty meats and foods high in animal fats. Many people enjoy eating fatty pork with steamed buns, but substances produced during fat digestion can worsen joint pain and should therefore be avoided. Such foods can also contribute to bone demineralization, so dietary control is essential. Patients should also avoid milk, goat milk, and similar products, as components in these may trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate arthritis—these should be consumed sparingly or not at all. In addition, smoking, alcohol, black coffee, and other stimulants should be avoided, as they may aggravate arthritis symptoms.
Once diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, patients should seek medical treatment promptly. We hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness.
