Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis. In this medical condition, the patient suffers pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the faster it can be treated. The immune system of the body is affected in this condition, hence, treatment should be started at the earliest. If this condition is not treated in time, it can affect the patient’s joints, making the condition worse.
1. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
People with a family medical history of this condition are most likely to get it. The most prominent and major symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the swelling of a joint in the body. Other symptoms include joint pain, stiffness in the body, weight loss, dry eyes due to inflammation, among many others. Do not avoid mentioning any symptoms you feel because this disease affects other parts of the body eventually. The diagnosis of this disease is dependent on the symptoms of the patient, the various tests conducted, X-rays and physical examination conducted by the doctor.
2. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is possible by physical therapies, drugs and/or surgeries. The main purpose of rheumatoid arthritis treatments is to relieve the patient from symptoms and stop inflammation. In this way, joint damage along with organ damage can be prevented. Consequently, the patient’s physical function is restored and that person feels much better.
Physical therapy can help in the improvement of the various symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One will need to set goals along with their physical therapist and work on it. Make sure you don’t overdo it as it may have a negative impact on the body.
The category of drugs that are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis is either painkillers, NSAIDs, DMARDs or steroids. In certain cases, more than one drug has to be administered to the patient. Another important point to be noted is that depending on your symptoms, there can be a change in medicines that are prescribed. So, there might be a change in the medicines depending on your existing condition. Hence, the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis should not be taken lightly. The patient should have a regular follow-up with the doctor to check on the progress of the treatment.
Surgery becomes a vital option for a patient who has permanent damage due to rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery is advised when the mobility of the person is affected. This form of rheumatoid arthritis treatments helps the patient to regain the body movements which they have lost due to the disease. Hips and knee replacements are common examples.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be experienced by anyone at any age. Hence, one needs to be aware of the symptoms of the condition. One should get proper consultation from his or her doctor and start the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. With the help of the above-mentioned treatments along with lifestyle changes, a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can make a remarkable recovery and start living a normal life once again.