Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires a comprehensive approach to care, and finding the right doctor is a crucial first step. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, but can also impact other body systems. Effective treatment can significantly relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Doctors utilize a range of strategies to manage RA, tailored to each individual’s needs. These may include:
- Medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
- Physical and occupational therapy to maintain joint function and mobility.
- Surgical interventions for advanced joint damage.
- Regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Complementary therapies to support overall well-being.
Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan, potentially combining different approaches and adapting it as your condition evolves. The primary goals of RA treatment are to:
- Alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints.
- Prevent or slow down joint and organ damage.
- Enhance your ability to participate in everyday activities.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage early in the course of the disease, sometimes within the first one to two years. Since this damage is often irreversible, early diagnosis and prompt treatment by a qualified doctor are essential to managing RA effectively and preserving joint health.
Medications Prescribed by Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctor
For most individuals with RA, medication is a cornerstone of treatment. Research indicates that initiating treatment early with a combination of medications can be more effective at minimizing or preventing joint damage compared to using a single medication. Doctors who specialize in rheumatoid arthritis, primarily rheumatologists, prescribe various medications to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and slow or halt the progression of joint damage. These medications commonly include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: These potent drugs can effectively decrease inflammation, offer pain relief, and slow joint damage. Due to potential side effects, your doctor will aim to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are crucial in slowing down or altering the course of RA.
- Biologic Response Modifiers (Biologics): These are also DMARDs and are considered if the initial therapies are not sufficiently effective. Biologics target specific components of the immune system to interrupt inflammatory signals.
- Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: Another class of DMARDs, JAK inhibitors work inside cells to block inflammatory signals. They may be prescribed if initial treatments are not adequately controlling the disease.
Physical and Occupational Therapy Recommended by Doctors
Doctors frequently incorporate physical therapy and occupational therapy into RA treatment plans. Physical therapy focuses on helping you regain and maintain overall strength, with specific exercises targeting affected joints. Occupational therapy assists in developing, recovering, and improving the skills needed for daily living and work activities. Assistive devices or braces might also be recommended by your therapist, under the guidance of your doctor, to optimize movement, decrease pain, and support your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Surgery as a Treatment Option Discussed with Your Doctor
Surgery may be considered by your doctor if you experience persistent damage or pain that significantly limits your daily activities. It’s not a universal solution for RA, and the decision to proceed with surgery should be made collaboratively between you and your doctor.
Before recommending surgery, your doctor will evaluate several factors, including:
- Your overall health status.
- The specific condition of the affected joint or tendon.
- The potential risks and benefits associated with the surgery.
Surgical options can range from joint repair procedures to joint replacement surgeries.
The Importance of Routine Monitoring and Ongoing Care with Your Doctor
Consistent medical follow-up is vital for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Regular visits with your doctor allow for:
- Monitoring the progression of your RA.
- Assessing the effectiveness of your current medications.
- Discussing any side effects you may be experiencing from medications.
- Making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to optimize outcomes.
Monitoring typically involves regular doctor appointments, and may also include blood and urine tests, as well as imaging tests like X-rays. Rheumatoid arthritis and some of its treatments, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. It’s important to discuss your osteoporosis risk with your doctor and consider the potential benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplements or other osteoporosis treatments.
Because rheumatoid arthritis can affect organs beyond the joints, your doctor may also monitor your cardiovascular and respiratory health. Additionally, many RA medications can increase the risk of infections, so your doctor may monitor for infections and recommend vaccinations to reduce infection risk and severity.
