The autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation and severe pain in the joints and other parts of the body and may last for a long time, most frequently affecting middle-aged women, is termed rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease mainly affects the synovium or the membrane lining and lubricating the joints. In this autoimmune disease, the immune system itself attacks the cell lining in the membranes of joints and causes severe pain and swelling. Hands, knees, and feet are most affected by pain in rheumatoid arthritis and in severe cases, immediate and continuous strict treatment is necessary. Though there is no permanent cure for this autoimmune disease, treatment is possible for reducing the pain caused by damage in the joint lining or for management of other symptoms caused by this autoimmune disease.
Common Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The main aim of treatment procedures for this autoimmune disease is to reduce the inflammation or pain, obtain relief from debilitating pain, or slow the damage in the synovium of the joints. Let us list some treatment methods for this autoimmune disease.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments via Medication: Medicines are available as a treatment to reduce pain as well as prevent damage to the membrane lining of the joints and other affected areas. Paracetamol and codeine are painkillers for controlling the pain caused by this autoimmune disease. Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen help patients of rheumatoid arthritis by reliving pain in the joints and reducing the symptoms of the autoimmune disease. Corticosteroids like prednisolone are also effective for reducing pain and stiffness caused by damage in the synovium due to the autoimmune disease condition of rheumatoid arthritis. Using medications is the most common way to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments via Surgery: Surgeries can treat complicated and severe joint problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis. These may include surgical removal of the joint lining and total joint replacement. However, surgical treatments are rare in most instances of this autoimmune disease.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments via Diet and Nutrition: Diet and nutrition are an important way to treat this autoimmune disease. Adequate protein and calcium in the diet are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the joints and to prevent joint pain or reduce damage to the synovium. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided while undergoing treatment.
- Exercise as a Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exercise or physiotherapy is an essential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to reduce joint pain due to damage in the joint lining and reduce inflammation or damage in the synovium. Apart from exercise, some other physical therapies include electrical stimulation or hot and cold treatments for the autoimmune disease and the damage caused by it.
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