Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease primarily characterized by symmetric polyarthritis, which can affect multiple systems throughout the body. Below are some common treatment methods:

1. General treatment: During acute flare-ups, patients should rest appropriately, reduce activities involving affected joints, and maintain warmth to avoid cold exposure.

2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen capsules and loxoprofen sodium tablets, used to relieve joint pain and inflammation.

3. Glucocorticoids: Such as prednisone acetate tablets, used to rapidly alleviate pain and inflammation, but generally prescribed only for short-term transitional therapy and not for long-term use.

4. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Such as methotrexate tablets and leflunomide tablets, which can reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and slow disease progression.

5. Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Pain can be relieved through physical therapies such as heat therapy, cold therapy, and electrotherapy, helping to strengthen muscles and maintain joint range of motion. Rehabilitation exercises help improve joint function and enhance quality of life.

6. Lifestyle modifications: A balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking, and engaging in appropriate exercise such as swimming and yoga can help alleviate symptoms and promote disease stability.

7. Surgical treatment: Patients for whom medication is ineffective or who have severe joint damage may need to consider surgical interventions such as joint replacement or synovectomy to restore joint function.