Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an ailment which causes inflammation of the joints and is very painful also. There are some treatments which can help in managing the ailment. They are explained here.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease where the antibodies in the blood kill its own body tissues. This causes inflammation of the joints and affects multiple organs of the body. This is one of the common types of arthritis and there are many methods of treatment.

There are no known medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, there are anti inflammation drugs to reduce pain. Medicines are also available to improve function of the joints and also prevent deformity of the joints. The treatments available for Rheumatoid Arthritis are:

1. Right eating habits and proper life style is a must for persons suffering this Arthritis. Some foods we consume may increase the arthritis attack. So, it would be appropriate to follow the diet prescribed by the doctor. Earlier, it was feared that Tomatoes would increase the Rheumatoid Arthritis. But, it is now found that it is not so. Fish Oil is said to be very good for getting relief of Arthritis attack.
2. One of the treatments available for Rheumatoid Arthritis is use of anti inflammatory drugs. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) like Naproxen and Ibuprofen are most popular drugs for treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. These are non steroid drugs and are available over the counter.
3. Acetaminophen or any topical preparations which are available over the counter when rubbed into the skin will also give relief from the pain.
4. Regular exercise is another way of treating Rheumatoid Arthritis. This will strengthen the joints and muscles that are around the joints. This will also reduce the inflammation of the joints. Swimming is said to be the best exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis because swimming causes minimum strain on the joints and at the same time strengthens the joints.
5. Physical and occupational therapist would also suggest some exercises which would help in reducing the inflammation and in managing the Rheumatoid Arthritis.
6. Heat and Cold applications; more so cold applications are known to have good effect in reducing the inflammation. But this has to be done on a regular basis without any let up.
7. In some cases, Arthroscopy surgery is also suggested where some tube like instrument is inserted to repair the damaged tissues.
8. Stress is another reason for increase of pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Proper medication coupled with other treatments like exercises, cold applications and regular exercises suggested by physical and occupational therapist are the best line of treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.