Rheumatoid arthritis refers to a chronic disorder having no known cure. But in the last few years, there has been a major shift in strategy towards the earlier institution of disease modifying drugs. With the availability of new medications, the outcomes which can now be expected by most patients, have highly improved. The goal of rheumatoid arthritis treatment now is aimed towards achieving the lowest possible level of arthritis disease activity as well as remission if possible, besides minimizing joint damage. Thus rheumatoid arthritis treatment is aimed at enhancing the physical function as well as the quality of life. In case of optimal rheumatoid arthritis treatment, a comprehensive program is required that combines medical, social, as well as emotional support for the patient. It is essential that the patient as well as the patient’s family needs to be educated about the nature as well as the course of the disease.
All strategies for rheumatoid arthritis treatment are aimed at reducing pain and discomfort, besides preventing deformities, loss of joint function, in order to maintain a productive as well as an active life. Inflammation has to be suppressed. Besides, mechanical and structural abnormalities need to be corrected or compensated by the use of assistive devices. The rheumatoid arthritis treatment options include medications, reducing joint stress, physical as well as occupational therapy, besides surgical intervention.
The treatment includes Pharmacological Strategies, using NSAIDs, reducing joint stress besides surgical approaches.
Pharmacological Strategies include three general classes of drugs which are commonly used in the rheumatoid arthritis treatment. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, as well as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). NSAIDs and corticosteroids tend to have a short onset of action while DMARDs may even take several weeks or months in order to demonstrate a clinical effect. The Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) reduce acute inflammation which decreases pain as well as improves function.