Symptoms and treatment methods of rheumatoid arthritis

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on April 05, 2025
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Rheumatic arthritis is mostly related to streptococcal infections. Additionally, respiratory viruses and mycoplasma infections can also cause joint pain. Once joint pain occurs, especially if it is asymmetrical, one should consider these infection-related factors, thus necessitating comprehensive tests including anti-streptolysin O, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and respiratory virus tests. Whether to treat rheumatic arthritis depends on symptoms like fever and joint pain. Should there be fever and joint pain, proper medication is required, primarily the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically non-steroidal ones. Treatment should be combined with long-term administration of penicillin to ensure a full course of therapy. If joint pain occurs, immobilization is essential, meaning bed rest is necessary until the joint pain eases. During this period, a light diet and adequate water intake are also recommended. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
46sec home-news-image

Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink alcohol?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can drink a small amount of alcohol, but long-term heavy drinking is not recommended. This is mainly because patients with rheumatoid arthritis need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief due to joint pain. The most significant side effect of these painkillers is their impact on the gastrointestinal tract. As alcohol is known to be harsh on the stomach, patients who take NSAIDs while drinking alcohol are at a higher risk of developing complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is advised that patients with rheumatoid arthritis should not engage in long-term heavy drinking. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 7sec home-news-image

What is the best medicine to take for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical manifestation of rheumatic fever, which is a delayed sequelae that occurs after infection with streptococci. The most common symptoms include fever, arthritis, rheumatic heart disease, subcutaneous nodules, or marginal erythema. It mainly occurs in adolescents and is most commonly triggered by cold weather and damp environments. In cases showing joint symptoms, the first choice of medication is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, it is crucial to actively treat the primary disease, which means eliminating the causative factor by eradicating the streptococcal infection. Eradication of the streptococcal infection involves the use of long-acting penicillin, and it is necessary to complete the treatment course of two weeks. Moreover, appropriate rest during the acute phase and avoiding exertion is needed. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured through exercise?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be somewhat alleviated by exercise in terms of disease recovery. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as migratory swelling and pain in the major joints throughout the body. The onset of the disease is somewhat associated with streptococcal infections. In recent years, due to the widespread use of penicillin, rheumatoid arthritis has become very rare in clinical settings. Since the onset of rheumatoid arthritis is related to infections, long-acting penicillin is generally used for treatment if there is no accompanying carditis. Joint pain can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as etoricoxib or sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium; if carditis is present, corticosteroids can be used. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can engage in gentle aerobic exercises like swimming, yoga, jogging, Tai Chi, etc.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

Symptoms and treatment methods of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is mostly related to streptococcal infections. Additionally, respiratory viruses and mycoplasma infections can also cause joint pain. Once joint pain occurs, especially if it is asymmetrical, one should consider these infection-related factors, thus necessitating comprehensive tests including anti-streptolysin O, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and respiratory virus tests. Whether to treat rheumatic arthritis depends on symptoms like fever and joint pain. Should there be fever and joint pain, proper medication is required, primarily the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically non-steroidal ones. Treatment should be combined with long-term administration of penicillin to ensure a full course of therapy. If joint pain occurs, immobilization is essential, meaning bed rest is necessary until the joint pain eases. During this period, a light diet and adequate water intake are also recommended. (Please follow the guidance of a professional physician for medication use.)

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home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
51sec home-news-image

Treatment of Acute Flare-ups of Rheumatoid Arthritis

During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, typical treatment includes absolute bed rest and avoiding intense physical activities, followed by a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamins. Medication-wise, sodium diclofenac or meloxicam are used, which are non-steroidal drugs that relieve joint pain. If these drugs are not effective, steroids such as methylprednisolone are administered, initially at doses of 20 mg or 40 mg, until the pain eases, then gradually reducing the steroid dosage. During steroid treatment, it's also important to prevent side effects, namely, by supplementing with calcium and incorporating drugs that protect the stomach lining. (The above medications should be used under medical supervision.)