Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory type of arthritis and affects approximately 2.1 million Americans (three times as many women as men). It is classified as an autoimmune disease because certain immune cells malfunction and attack a person’s own body. Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins in middle age, but children and young adults can also develop the disease. People of all races and ethnic backgrounds can develop the disease. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown but researchers are working to gain a better understanding of how the immune system and genetic factors affect the inflammatory processes that cause rheumatoid arthritis to develop. Some patients may experience long periods without symptoms, however rheumatoid arthritis is typically a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
While there is no known cure, in the last few years that has been a shift in treatment strategies and the availability of new classes of medications. New strategies are aimed at reducing pain and discomfort, preventing deformities and loss of joint function, and maintaining a productive and active life. There are several classes of arthritis medications that work to control symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve mobility and function. There are 5 categories of arthritis medications: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), analgesics (painkillers), corticosteroids, DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), and the newer biologics. It’s important to ask your doctor what treatments and medications are best for you.
The following are some popular forms of rheumatoid arthritis treatments:
- Patients are advised to get sufficient rest and sleep
- Exercises to maintain joint function and strength
- Medication for the relief of pain and reduction in inflammation
- Therapies to prevent deformities and muscular contractures, including physical and massage therapy
- Nutritional counseling to ensure proper balance in one’s diet of vitamins and minerals
- Ultrasound
- Stress management, as stress has been shown to be a factor in exacerbation of the condition
Important Tips
- Don’t ignore pain that persists.
- Don’t assume you simply injured yourself.
- Ask your doctor to refer you to a rheumatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid diseases).
- When you consult your rheumatologist, always discuss symptoms that have improved or worsened, as well as any new symptoms.
