What should I do about rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease description:
Recently, my finger joints have been constantly painful and swollen. They feel very stiff in the morning, and only ease slightly after moving around. I went to the hospital for examination, and they diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is really tormenting—what is the best way to treat it?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Common treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Medication: Follow your doctor's instructions to take ibuprofen capsules and diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules to relieve pain and reduce inflammation; corticosteroids may be taken for rapid symptom relief in severe cases, but long-term use should be approached with caution.
2. Physical therapy: Maintain joint flexibility and strengthen muscle strength through exercise and activity, and learn energy-conserving techniques in daily life to reduce joint strain.
3. Surgical treatment: In cases of severe joint damage, surgery such as joint replacement or synovectomy may be considered.
4. Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive fatigue, quitting smoking, and following a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms.
