Arthritis, a condition that attacks joints, has many different forms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) takes place when the white blood cells in the body move to the joint capsules, causing them to deteriorate. Symptoms like pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth at the joints and fever can be seen when RA develops. Although this condition is incurable, it can be treated in many ways.
Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are over-the counter medications that can be used to alleviate inflammation and pain for short term relief. Examples include naproxen sodium and ibuprofen. Your doctor might also recommend a more potent form of these through a prescription. If you choose to take NSAIDs, be on guard for side effects, such as gastric ulcers, ringing in the ears and stomach bleeding. These side effects generally occur after taking high doses for long periods of time.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and pain, and slow the rate at which joints deteriorate. Examples of these prescription drugs include methylprednisolone and prednisone. Side effects, which typically occur after long-term use, include cataracts, weight gain, easy bruising and thinning bones.
Suppression
When you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system mistakes healthy tissue for foreign invaders. Your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants to calm down your immune system and eliminate cells that exacerbate the symptoms. Examples include azathioprine, leflunomide, cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine.
Operations
Various types of surgery can be done to repair your joints when medications aren't effective. Tendons, connective tissue that hold muscles to bones, can sometimes become loosened or tightened when you have rheumatoid arthritis. In this situation, surgery can be done to repair damage.
Synovium is a substance that lines the inside of the joints. If this is inflamed and causing pain, a surgeon can remove it in a procedure called a "synovectomy."
Arthroplasty is a procedure where a surgeon removes the whole joint or parts that have been damaged and replaces them with plastic and metal prostheses.
Hot and Cold
Hot and cold therapy can be used to relax muscles and help ease pain. Taking a hot shower or bath, applying a hot pack or using a heating pad on a low setting can provide comfort. Cold treatments can help decrease the incidence of muscle spasms and reduce pain. Ice massage, cold packs and soaking the joints in cold water are all options.
Pain Control
You can use various techniques to reduce stress levels and deal with the pain. Examples of these include guided imagery, hypnosis, muscle relaxation and deep breathing.
Exercise
Exercise can help fight fatigue and strengthen the muscles around the joints, both of which improve the condition of RA patients. Exercise should be gentle and low impact. Walking, water aerobics and swimming are all good options.
