Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that mistakenly causes the immune system to attack the joints; as a result, the tissues surrounding the area become inflamed causing redness, swelling, stiffness and pain. It is a chronic disease (it recurs constantly) and can cause long-term effects, such as deformity of the joints and wear of bones and cartilages. Although there is no cure for this disease to date, there are many treatments that can help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disorder. The important thing is to find effective remedies for your specific situation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Take Medication
Step 1. See your doctor
Medicines play a vital role in slowing the worsening of symptoms, so it's important to constantly work with a rheumatologist you trust to find an effective treatment plan for you. With the knowledge of your personal medical history and your specific situation, he is able to prescribe the best treatment.
- It is essential to have an honest relationship with the doctor; you need to feel comfortable describing your situation to him, especially regarding the medications you take and their effects.
- Your primary care physician can initially help you with the first steps in diagnosing the disorder, but once the disease is defined, it is best to see a specialist.
Step 2. Find a rheumatologist
This specialist can manage your situation independently or collaborate with the general practitioner. The two professionals should have no problem sharing your case; if, on the other hand, they give reasons of competence and are not willing to collaborate, go elsewhere. You can check online reviews from doctors, academics, and other specialists to find a qualified one in your area.
- Look for a competent doctor who encourages their patients to know everything about their medical condition.
- A good rheumatologist is one who considers you a partner in devising a personalized treatment plan.
Step 3. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage symptoms
Medicines such as ibuprofen (Moment, Brufen) and naproxen sodium (Momendol) are often used to keep pain, swelling and inflammation at bay; you can find them on free sale or on prescription in higher dosages.
- The less concentrated over-the-counter ones have fewer side effects and a lower risk of complications than the stronger ones on prescription, but they only manage the symptoms without slowing the progression of the disease.
- Symptoms of the strongest medicines include stomach pain, high blood pressure, anemia, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Step 4. Consider taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
DMARDs (from the English disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) can alter or slow the progress of arthritis and to be effective they must be taken for a prolonged time; they are not without side effects, but these present themselves differently from person to person.
- They can be taken together with other types of pain relievers.
- Among the more serious side effects are liver damage and an increased risk of infections.
- DMARDs are the most important drugs in the fight against rheumatoid arthritis; among these the most common active ingredients are: methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, leflunomide and other agents with a more limited role.
Step 5. Learn about steroid intake
Your doctor can assess whether you are a good candidate for this therapy. These active ingredients slow down joint damage while reducing pain and inflammation; however, they are very strong, potentially harmful and are more suitable in the acute stages of the disease.
- Glucocorticoids are useful and effective in suppressing the symptoms of the disease, as well as influencing the progression of the same; however, due to their toxicity they are not suitable for long-term therapy.
- They can be taken in liquid form, tablets or by injections.
- They can cause a multitude of side effects, such as hypertension, diabetes, elevated liver enzymes, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, central nervous system disorders, alopecia, fever, blood abnormalities and weakening of the bones.
Step 6. Stick to drug therapy
If you want to get the best results in managing symptoms and slowing down rheumatoid arthritis, it is essential that you take your medications on time with the help of your doctor; the success or failure of the treatment directly depends on how well you respect the treatment.
Between 30 and 80% of patients with this disease take only half of the drugs they are prescribed, thus sabotaging the treatment itself
Method 2 of 3: Evaluating Drug-Free Therapies
Step 1. Undergo physical therapy
The main purpose is to keep you moving, develop strength, flexibility, and overall physical performance to relieve symptoms and promote well-being.
- A good physiotherapist can create a specific program tailored to your needs and skills.
- Thanks to his knowledge about the biomechanics of bones, joints and muscles, the specialist can guide you and prevent unnecessary injuries.
Step 2. Talk to an occupational therapist
This specialist is especially dedicated to assisting you in completing the normal tasks of each day, as well as trying to improve the quality of life that not only benefits physical, but also emotional and mental health.
- It can teach you to perform certain tasks without putting too much stress on the joints.
- He can show you assistive devices to facilitate certain tasks.
- Can set up a home exercise program to increase range of motion.
Step 3. Try mind-body therapy
Generally speaking, this type of therapy aims to exploit the mind to overcome physical discomfort, malaise and injuries. Rheumatoid arthritis pain and medication side effects can cause stress and depression, which in turn can trigger symptoms; this therapy can reduce emotional tension, provide relief from depression and is therefore an excellent supplementary treatment.
Some examples of useful therapies in this regard are Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback and various other relaxation techniques
Method 3 of 3: Enter Complementary Treatments
Step 1. Apply heat and cold
Even if you don't go to a physical therapist, you can easily take care of yourself to reduce pain and swelling due to the disease by applying cold and warm compresses. Heat is great when joints are stiff, while cold can numb pain and reduce inflammation.
- Apply heat to your joints for about 15 minutes by placing an electric warmer or taking a hot bath or shower; the heat relaxes the muscles and soothes the pain.
- You can proceed with cold therapy, for example by massaging the joints with ice, applying a cold pack, or soaking the joints in cold water to numb the sensitivity.
- You can also alternate the two therapies; for example, you can use hot water for 3-4 minutes and then use cold water for one minute.
Step 2. Get physical
Painful as it may seem, exercise targeted to the patient's needs and abilities is the cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis treatment; even without the help and knowledge of a physical therapist, low-impact aerobic exercise and other activities that improve strength and flexibility are extremely effective.
- Gentle activities such as walking and swimming are also important.
- The physiotherapist is the right professional to plan an exercise program tailored to your needs.
Step 3. Follow a suitable diet
Although there is no consistent scientific evidence to date, there are many studies and patient testimonials that recommend eating certain foods and avoiding others to limit the symptoms of the disease. Generally speaking, a balanced diet (experts recommend a diet based mostly on plants) seems to be the best choice, but you can also try adding or eliminating some foods that are believed to fight or promote inflammation, respectively.
- The foods you should eat are: cold water fish, fiber from fruit, vegetables, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil.
- Those to avoid are: grilled or fried meat at high temperatures, omega 6 fatty acids found in industrially processed snacks and most cooking oils.
Advice
- If you have private health insurance, you can look for innovative therapies that are becoming more and more popular for treating rheumatoid arthritis. TNF alpha inhibitors are drugs often used to fight disease; among these is Humira, a drug commonly prescribed by doctors.
- Surgery is considered an extreme option, to be used only when symptoms such as pain and inflammation become painful or the joints no longer work properly; when drugs are no longer effective, this alternative can be considered.
Warnings
- Cold therapy is not suitable if you have rheumatoid arthritis and also have circulatory problems.
- Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program; also, do not exercise if the joints are inflamed or painful.
