Non-Surgical Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis although there are medications that can relieve symptoms and slow disease progression. The medication recommended by the physician is based on the patient's medical condition, age, other drugs the patient currently takes, safety, cost, and patient preference.

Medications

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation. NSAIDs should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset and stomach bleeding.

• COX-2 inhibitors are a new class of NSAIDs used to alleviate pain and inflammation. These work with much less risk of stomach upset and stomach bleeding.

• Corticosteroid drugs reduce inflammation and can slow joint damage. Initially the patient feels much better. However, over time the drug becomes less effective. Side effects can include bone thinning, bruising, weight gain, and high blood pressure.

• Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) act slowly to 'modify' the disease and can take several months before any benefit is noticed. These drugs may slow disease progression and save joint tissue from damage. DMARDs are usually combined with an NSAID (to treat symptoms).

• Immunosuppressants can be used in some patients to quiet the immune system.

• Anti-depressant drugs can help some patients to cope with their chronic disease.

Other non-surgical reatments
A physical therapy (PT) program can help restore muscle strength, flexibility, improve mobility, coordination, and maintain body functions through exercise. Massage, hydrotherapy, and other modalities can help relieve pain.

It is helpful if the patient's keeps a medical diary noting medications that work, drug side effects, severity of symptoms, flare-ups and remissions.