How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Disease description:
I am 32 years old this year. Recently, I have often felt a sharp, needle-like pain in my knee joints and a clicking sound while walking. I suspect that I might have rheumatoid arthritis. May I ask, how is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and functional impairment. The treatment goals are to relieve symptoms, control disease progression, maintain joint function, and improve quality of life. The following are common treatment approaches:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and indomethacin, are used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, thereby improving quality of life. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide, are employed to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses, although their effects may take longer to manifest.
2. Physical therapy: Includes cold compresses, heat therapy, ultrashort wave therapy, infrared radiation, and other modalities that can effectively reduce pain, alleviate morning stiffness, and promote blood circulation.
3. Surgical interventions: For patients with severe joint damage or functional loss, joint replacement surgery or synovectomy may be considered.
4. Lifestyle modifications: Maintain regular作息 patterns, avoid excessive fatigue and improper posture, and pay attention to nutritional diet and appropriate exercise.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, and individualized therapy under the guidance of a physician is recommended.
