How to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Disease description:
Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. How should it be 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 goals of treating rheumatoid arthritis are to relieve symptoms, control disease progression, prevent joint damage, and improve patients' quality of life. The following are some common treatment approaches:
1. Medication: Includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and celecoxib to alleviate pain and inflammation; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate and leflunomide to control disease progression; and, when necessary, corticosteroids and biologic agents.
2. Physical therapy: Utilizes heat or cold application, massage, joint movement, and strengthening exercises to enhance muscle strength, maintain joint flexibility, and reduce pain.
3. Occupational therapy: Teaches patients how to use assistive devices in daily life to reduce joint stress and protect joints from further damage.
4. Surgical treatment: If there is severe joint damage, surgery such as joint replacement or synovectomy may be required to restore joint function.
However, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis needs to be individualized, with appropriate treatment plans developed according to the patient's specific condition, age, and concomitant diseases.
