Joint pain and damage are a result of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The disease attacks the joint linings causing painful inflammation that can lead to eventual deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with daily activities with its throbbing, aching symptoms. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Most treatment is designed to minimize pain and teach patients how to work around the symptoms.
NSAIDS
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve can help to reduce the inflammation caused by RA while relieving the pain.
Steroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, minimize the pain and swelling and can slow down the rate of damage.
DMARDs
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as Plaquenil and Ridaura, are used in the early stages of the disease to slow the degeneration of the joints.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants work on the immune system to get rid of cells attributed to RA.
Surgery
Surgery sometimes is warranted when there is no lignin left and the pain is excruciating. Surgery may involve partial or total joint replacement.
Exercise
Exercise meant to strengthen the muscles that surround the joints can help extend mobility for people with the degenerative joint disease.
