Rheumatoid Arthritis causes are numerous. Rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious autoimmune disease in which the body incorrectly attacks the tissue covering of joints causing chronic inflammation.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are usually mild to moderate and last for a short time. Symptoms may include persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. The more serious symptoms include severe joint damage, permanent damage to bones, and organ damage, like the lungs or heart. These symptoms can progress quickly and have many different symptoms, and may be treated differently. This is where a doctor can prescribe several treatments depending on the type of arthritis.
Pain relievers are the most common treatments today. Using prescription drugs such as drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces pain and swelling. Unfortunately, some people with rheumatoid arthritis do not respond well to NSAIDs.
Most doctors use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for mild arthritis. These drugs relieve swelling and pain and do not help the body repair itself. Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach ulcers, liver problems and sirosis hati kidney problems and stomach cancer.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis depends on the severity of the condition. Medications can reduce joint inflammation and pain, but not cure the disease. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is to relieve symptoms.
If the symptoms are not too severe, then other forms of treatment option are available such as a physical therapy. This treatment option helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints to prevent further inflammation. This can alleviate pain and stiffness and can help with any movement restrictions.
There are several types of therapy options available. Many doctors will recommend that patients who do not respond well to NSAIDS begin this type of treatment with a light exercise regime, which is similar to walking or swimming.
Other lifestyle changes are also available. These include making dietary changes and making lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation. Reducing food intake, avoiding the use of tobacco products, and reducing stress all contribute to the prevention and management of RA and its complications.
One rheumatoid arthritis treatment that is often prescribed is surgery. Surgery is the only surefire method for treating RA. Surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, but it is most common to perform the procedure in a hospital setting where the doctor can perform multiple procedures at one time. Surgery also involves potentially serious side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks involved with the procedure.
Anecdotal reports suggest that a person who has been treated with surgery for rheumatoid arthritis often experiences improvements within days after the surgery. The improvements may be temporary, but often include the loss of pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as increased mobility and the ability to work more freely. Patients should talk to their doctor about the surgery option that is best for them.
In addition to surgery, there are a number of alternative therapies that are commonly used to help alleviate the pain of RA and the symptoms of the disease. These treatments include hot and cold packs, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, heat therapy, and physical therapy.
Most rheumatoid arthritis treatment options are affordable. Many of the alternative therapies are covered by insurance and are readily available to most Americans. Although surgery is the most costly of the treatment options, the alternative therapies are usually much less expensive than traditional methods of treatment.
The best way to find out which of these options is best for you is to talk to your doctor. Because each patient is unique, it is important to have a thorough exam to determine if any of the treatment options are appropriate.
