Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness that erodes your joint tissue. The tissue erosion is caused by inflammation. Internal organs can also be affected by severe arthritis inflammation. Healthline reports that approximately 1,3 million people in the US suffer from this disease. (1) Nothing can fully cure rheumatoid arthritis, but there are plenty of treatments to help you manage the symptoms and relieve pain. The most common form of treatment for arthritis includes medication and surgery.
Medication
There have been significant improvements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the past twenty years. The most popular treatment consists of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs. (2) Usually, these drugs are combined with other anti-inflammatory drugs. To reduce swelling, and pain you can also take corticosteroids with your DMARD. However, DMARD can have severe negative side-effects.
These drugs can affect your vision to the point of partial or complete vision loss. Also, you may have a hard time getting pregnant and keeping your pregnancy if you’re taking DMARD. Many women can even end up giving birth to a child with birth defects caused by these drugs. Other effects of the drugs are less severe, but equally uncomfortable. Many patients report suffering from diarrhea while taking DMARD. Due to these possible side-effects, each patient receives a different autoimmune therapy. So before you start taking DMARDs, make sure you get all the information about the possible negative side-effects.
Rheumatologists will carefully analyze your overall health and determine the best form of treatment for you. The primary focus of the therapy should be to reduce inflammation and uncomfortable symptoms. By reducing inflammation, you can actively prevent further joint damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are usually prescribed to patients who are in remission. Similar to DMARD, there are other drugs that target joint inflammation. The most popular drug is Biologics. It’s injected directly in the affected area to achieve the best results in reducing inflammation. Therapy for rheumatoid arthritis can be taken orally or injected. Usually, patients are capable of taking their therapy without the help of a doctor.
Surgery
If you’ve suffered tissue damage due to rheumatoid arthritis, you can get surgery to repair your joints. The surgery involves replacing joint tissue with metal or plastic parts. However, most arthritis medications can lower your body’s ability to combat infection after surgery. (3) That’s why it’s important to consult your doctor and find out if surgery is the best option for your condition. Most patients fully recover after the surgery and go on to live happy and productive lives.
Physical Therapy
If you are suffering from mild or moderate arthritis, physical therapy can do wonders to help you manage your symptoms. Occupational therapy will improve the strength of your joints and allow you to move more easily. Your occupational therapist can also teach you the best way to perform daily tasks like lifting, or carrying weight without straining your joints. This way you can maintain your independence regardless of your condition. Some therapists may even recommend using assistive devices to make your life easier.
Healthy Diet
In addition to taking your medication regularly, you’ll also need a healthy diet to combat inflammation and joint damage. We recommend you eat lots of food that contains antioxidants. You can try the Mediterranean diet. This diet consists mainly of fish, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and fruits. On the other hand, if your diet contains processed foods, fast food, and fried foods, you can further damage your connective tissue. That’s why doctors will recommend that you completely change your diet to help improve your condition. Some other foods that can trigger inflammation include dairy products, salty foods, foods that are rich in sugar and carbs. (4)
Changing Your Habits
There are many things you can do to improve your lifestyle and prevent pain and inflammation. If you are working, remember to take regular breaks to rest your joints. We also recommend that you incorporate daily exercise into your routine. Simple exercises like stretching or yoga can greatly improve your flexibility and allow you to move around more easily. This way you will strengthen your joints and prevent further damage. It’s also wise to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can trigger joint inflammation. However, the most important thing is to have a positive mindset and accept your condition. Once you understand your disease, you can learn more about how to treat it. Many people who suffer from arthritis can live long and happy lives with the right treatment and healthy habits.
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