Causes, Symptoms & Cures For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medications Used

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Options like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are available over-the-counter, while stronger NSAIDs must be prescribed by a physician. Corticosteroids like prednisone can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis while slowing joint damage. These medications are usually prescribed to relieve the most acute symptoms rather than used for long-term maintenance. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and rescues the joints and other affected tissues from being permanently damaged.

Some of the most common DMARDs are tofacitinib, tocilizumab, sarilumab, rituximab, inflixibmab, golimumab, etanercept, certolizumab, baricitinib, anakinra, adalimumab, and abatacept. Biologic response modifiers are DMARDs that target portions of the immune system that cause the inflammation that leads to tissue and joint damage. Biologic DMARDs are usually paired with at least one non-biologic DMARD for maximum effect.

Surgical Options To Repair Joints

Generally, surgery to repair joints is used in cases where medications don't slow or prevent joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. When the joint becomes damaged, a surgical repair might restore the joint's mobility, reduce overall pain, and improve function. A synovectomy is used to remove the joint's inflamed lining in the hips, fingers, wrists, elbows, or knees.

Tendon repair surgeries can help in situations where joint damage and inflammation have caused the tendons surrounding the joint to rupture or loosen. A joint fusion surgery might realign or stabilize a joint if joint replacements aren't an option. With a total joint replacement, the damaged portions of the joint are removed, and a prosthetic joint made from plastic and metal is inserted.