Treatment of Rheumatiod Artheritis
The treatment of rheumatiod arthritis includes disease-modifying drugs to control the inflammation and to improve the functioning of the joints. These drugs are usually administered by injection into a vein or under the skin. Some people with rheumatiod arthritis may need surgery to replace a part or all of their affected joint. This procedure is known as arthroplasty and is done on various joints, such as the knee, shoulder, and hip.
There are many tests for the diagnosis of RA. A blood test will show inflammation in more than half of the patients with this condition. The test measures C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, two markers used to assess disease activity. However, there is no single test to diagnose RA. The diagnosis is made based on a combination of symptoms and blood test results.
RA is a progressive disease. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the response to therapy, rheumatiod arthritis can progress to severe and debilitating disease. Early treatment with biologics or targeted synthetic medicines can prevent severe damage to the joints. Moreover, patients should be aware that some treatments may damage the skin, heart, and nerves. Hence, it is important to find a treatment plan that works for you.
Treatment of rheumatiod arthritis involves the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs are used to control the inflammation of the joints and to relieve the associated pain. These medications are usually prescribed in combination with strengthening exercises and rest. In addition to these, certain rheumatiod arthritis drugs are available under different names. Each DMARD has a generic name, and the manufacturer usually assigns its own brand name. For example, ibuprofen is marketed as Nurofen.
People with rheumatiod arthritis can experience joint pain and inflammation due to the immune system’s mistaken beliefs about the cause of the disease. When the body sees a foreign object as a threat, the immune system will attack it, creating inflammation in the affected joint. This inflammation leads to a swelling of the joints. Additionally, people with rheumatiod arthritis may develop heart and nerve problems.
While there is no specific treatment for RA, the condition often gets worse over time. Uncontrolled inflammation damages the cartilage that protects joints and prevents them from moving too far. It can also damage bone and deform the joint, causing it to fusion. More than one million Americans suffer from rheumatiod arthritis, and rheumatiod arthritis is more common in women than in men. It is also more common in females than males, and is 2.5 times more common in women than in men.
RA patients can experience morning stiffness that lasts more than one hour. Their joints may feel warm and tender, and they may lose range of motion and move into unusual positions. These symptoms may manifest in any joint, but they often affect small joints and both sides of the body. The severity of the disease depends on the specific onset of the disease, and the severity of the symptoms. A doctor will be able to decide on an appropriate course of treatment based on the diagnosis and the severity of the disease.