Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options You Need To Know About

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that mainly affects your joints. The treatment goal is to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and slow the disease’s progression. With effective symptom management and determining the most appropriate treatment method, one can live a normal life with rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s look at some common treatment options.  

Medications

• DMARDs, including methotrexate, help slow the disease and protect your joints. 
• Biologic agents, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 inhibitors, target specific parts of the immune system. 
• NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen) reduce pain and inflammation but do not prevent the disease from progressing.
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, provide immediate relief from inflammation and pain, but they are only effective in the short term. 
• JAK inhibitors are a relatively new class of drugs that target immune response pathways (such as tofacitinib). 

Physical Therapy 

• Exercise helps to keep your joints moving and flexible. 
• Occupational therapy provides tools and techniques for completing daily tasks more efficiently.

Lifestyle Changes 

• A well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help alleviate symptoms. 
• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on joints.
• Finding a good balance between activity and rest helps with fatigue and pain. 

Surgical Options

Joint replacement surgery may be an option if your joints are severely damaged. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause significant joint damage, leading to the need for surgical interventions when conservative treatments fail to give any relief. Common surgical options include:

• Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed synovial tissue to alleviate pain and swelling, particularly in the wrist or knee.
• Joint Repair or Reconstruction: Repairing damaged joints using grafts, mainly in larger joints like the knee or hip.
• Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement): Partial or total replacement of severely damaged joints, often in the knee, hip, and shoulder.
• Osteotomy: Reshaping bone to relieve pressure on joints and improve alignment, frequently applied to the knee.
• Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion): Fusing bones in cases of severely limited joint motion.

Monitoring and Follow-up 

Regular check-ins with a rheumatologist are essential for monitoring the disease’s progression and adjusting your treatment as necessary. Always consult with a healthcare professional to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Alternative Treatment Options for Arthritis:

Infusion Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Infusion treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are recommended when oral medications are ineffective or do not sit well with you. These treatments primarily use biological drugs or other medications administered through an IV. Here are some common examples:

• TNF inhibitors, IL-6 receptor inhibitors, B-cell inhibitors, and T-cell co-stimulators are some examples of biological agents.

• Some Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are taken orally but can also be administered intravenously.

The goal of these infusions is to help reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent joint damage, usually in conjunction with other treatments. These infusions are usually given at a healthcare facility where you can be monitored. The frequency of your visits is determined by the medication and your personal needs.

Possible Side Effects

Some people may experience reactions during the infusion or face an increased risk of infection. It is critical to consult with a rheumatologist to customise your treatment plan based on the severity of your RA and your general health.

Holistic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Holistic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) address the whole person rather than just the symptoms. These approaches aim to improve overall well-being while also supporting traditional medical treatments. Here are some common holistic strategies for managing RA:

Diet and Nutrition

• The anti-inflammatory diet includes foods that may help reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids), fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and high-fat foods.
•  Elimination Diets, which involve avoiding certain foods (such as gluten or dairy), may help alleviate symptoms, though this varies from person to person.

Exercise and Physical Activity

• Swimming, cycling, and walking are all low-impact activities that can improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
• Gentle strength training can help to support muscles around joints while also improving overall stability and function.
• Stretching exercises and practices, such as yoga and Tai Chi, can improve flexibility and alleviate joint pain.

Stress Management

• Mindfulness meditation and other stress-management techniques can help reduce RA flare-ups.
• Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and other relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and pain.

Complementary Therapies:

• According to some studies, acupuncture may help relieve pain and improve joint function.
• Gentle massage can help relieve pain and reduce muscle tension around affected joints.
• Warm water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, can help relieve stiff joints and improve circulation.

Herbal and Natural Supplements

• Turmeric and curcumin, which have anti-inflammatory properties, may help alleviate RA symptoms.
• Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help with pain relief.
• Fish oil supplements, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, may help to reduce inflammation.

Mind-Body Connection

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help people manage chronic pain and improve their coping skills.
• Connecting with other RA patients can provide emotional support and practical advice.

Sleep and Rest

•  Quality Sleep Practice good sleep hygiene to aid in your body's repair and recovery.
•  Pacing balance activity and rest to avoid overexertion can aggravate symptoms.

Alternative Medicine

• Some people find relief with homoeopathic remedies, but the scientific evidence for their efficacy is limited.
• Naturopathic treatments may include a combination of diet, supplements, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the individual.

Conclusion:

Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a new treatment or making significant changes to your current regimen. Integrating various treatments can result in a comprehensive strategy for managing rheumatoid arthritis; what you are advised to do is figure out what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How can I treat rheumatoid arthritis myself?

To manage rheumatoid arthritis on your own, you must make lifestyle changes, practice self-care, and seek complementary therapies. Before beginning any new treatments, consult with your healthcare provider and monitor your body's reactions to any changes, adjusting strategies as needed.

Can you recover from rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition, which means it rarely goes away completely but can be effectively managed. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent or reduce joint damage. 

How serious is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and possible joint damage. Its severity can vary and may also impact other organs, leading to disability. 

Can you live a normal life with RA?

With appropriate care, many individuals with RA can maintain active and fulfilling lives. Effective management through medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes is crucial, particularly during flare-ups.