How to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Rheumatoid arthritis-induced joint pain has several distinct characteristics: The first is that it initially affects the small joints of the limbs, typically involving the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles, before spreading to larger joints. It rarely starts in the large joints first. Secondly, the onset is generally symmetrical, meaning it seldom affects just a single limb or joint. Typically, if the disease manifests, it affects both limbs simultaneously. Another characteristic is significant morning stiffness, meaning a feeling of stiffness upon waking up in the morning. Generally, by combining auxiliary tests such as blood tests and imaging, a clear diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made. Once diagnosed, it is advised that patients seek treatment at a reputable hospital in the rheumatology and immunology department or orthopedics, targeting specific treatments and avoiding unlicensed practitioners. Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans start with medications to alleviate symptoms, using immunosuppressants. In severe cases, a small, short-term dose of steroids may be used. Additionally, symptomatic treatment may include topical applications of ointments to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Patients can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs orally to relieve symptoms. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine is also a very effective method, and patients can take specific herbal medicines as symptomatic treatment for rheumatic joint pain, which are also very effective. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand

The key hand features of rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifest as symmetrical joint swelling and pain in both hands in the early stages. These swollen and painful joints include both wrist joints, bilateral metacarpophalangeal joints, and bilateral proximal interphalangeal joints. Rheumatoid arthritis rarely affects the distal interphalangeal joints of the hands. In the later stages of rheumatoid arthritis, due to the destruction of the hand joints by synovitis, some patients may develop deformities in the hand joints, commonly including ulnar deviation, swan neck deformities, or boutonniere deformities. Some patients may experience significant stiffness leading to limited mobility of the hand joints.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What medicine is used for rheumatoid arthritis?

First, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition that cannot be cured. The primary goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, delay complications, improve quality of life, and reduce disability through conventional drug therapies. Treatment methods include general treatment and medication. General treatment consists of functional exercise and lifestyle considerations, such as avoiding cold water and raw, cold foods, and emphasizing the importance of exercise. Additionally, the first-line drug treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), with traditional DMARDs being the current preferred and anchor treatment option.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs at what age?

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by pain in multiple joints throughout the body. The causes of the disease are not yet clear, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. The main pathological basis of the disease is synovitis. It commonly occurs in individuals aged between 35 and 50, and is more prevalent in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in women than in men. Additionally, this disease can lead to disability and loss of work capacity. Therefore, early diagnosis and standard treatment are crucial. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain the disease in a stable state.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What to eat for rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is also a chronic, destructive autoimmune disease, and therefore cannot be cured. It can only be managed through medication to control the progression of the disease and delay the onset of joint deformities. The principle is to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Once diagnosed, the preferred treatment is medication that improves rheumatoid conditions, followed by the use of non-steroidal drugs. If the onset is acute, a small amount of steroids can be used to alleviate symptoms until the condition stabilizes, after which the steroids can be gradually reduced. Dietarily, attention should be paid to a low-salt, low-fat, and light diet, avoiding raw and cold foods to prevent exacerbating symptoms of joint soreness and discomfort. Drinking more milk and eating more calcium-rich foods is advisable.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease and is a chronic autoimmune condition that is destructive to joints. It is primarily characterized by symmetric polyarthritis, with clinical manifestations varying significantly among individuals. Most cases begin gradually, initially presenting with symmetrical pain and swelling in the wrists. This often accompanies morning stiffness, fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle pain, or weight loss. In a minority of cases, the onset is more abrupt, with typical clinical manifestations appearing within a few days, including joint dysfunction, morning stiffness, and joint pain and swelling. Joint deformity is a later manifestation of the disease, indicating that the disease was not well-controlled, leading to joint damage.