Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to completely cure without medication, as it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that requires lifelong medication. The main treatment plans include the following three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which includes non-steroidal analgesics and low-dose corticosteroids. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory analgesics and immunosuppressants, treatment with biological agents may also be considered. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink alcohol?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid drinking alcohol. Due to joint pain, patients with rheumatoid arthritis inevitably consume anti-inflammatory pain relievers or steroids for pain relief. These anti-inflammatory drugs are already harsh on the stomach, and alcohol is similarly harmful. Consuming both anti-inflammatory pain relievers and alcohol can easily lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Some patients may even develop complications such as gastric ulcers or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to drink alcohol. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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The difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is an inflammatory connective tissue disease caused by infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is primarily characterized by migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs and may also present with fever, rash, erythema annulare, subcutaneous nodules, chorea, and carditis. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the major joints such as the hands, knees, shoulders, and lumbar spine, often without migratory symptoms. This condition is a degenerative change, primarily seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The treatment of this disease mainly includes calcium supplementation, keeping the joints warm, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications that improve the condition, mainly glucosamine sulfate and diacerein.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly consist of three major categories. The first category is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly including non-steroidal analgesics such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets, and small doses of corticosteroids can also be used. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most important treatment is the choice of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. After using these medications, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine tests and liver and kidney functions to check for possible side effects of the drugs. If the effects of the above oral medications are not satisfactory, the application of biologics can also be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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 Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include, first, the presence of swelling and pain in multiple joints, especially characterized and significant in the smaller joints. Second, serological tests show elevated levels of antibodies, commonly rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. If both are elevated, it is most meaningful. Third, the duration of joint swelling and pain should be more than six weeks. Fourth, we must also check some inflammatory markers for joints, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. If these markers are elevated, and the patient has swelling and pain in multiple joints, then we can consider a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.