What should I do if rheumatoid arthritis deforms the knee joint?

Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
Updated on April 27, 2025
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Rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint deformity are serious conditions that may require joint replacement surgery. For less serious cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or celecoxib, are generally used to treat and alleviate symptoms. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with streptococcal infections. Clinically, joint deformities are rare, so if joint deformity occurs, it is important to investigate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated erosive arthritis that can lead to bone destruction and joint deformity, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies can be tested for diagnostic differentiation.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis hurts more at night or during the day?

The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is irregular. It can hurt at night or during the day, and it varies from person to person. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat related to streptococcal infection. Clinically, it mainly presents as migratory swelling and pain in the large joints of the limbs, generally without leaving joint deformities. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is related to streptococcal infection, so it requires treatment with penicillin antibiotics. During the acute phase, it is also recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. Commonly used drugs include sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium, meloxicam, or etoricoxib.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis should be seen in the rheumatology department.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should visit the department of rheumatology and immunology, as it is an immune-related disease. The primary mechanism of the disease involves the production of abnormal antibodies in the body, which attack the joints themselves, leading to symptoms such as joint swelling and pain. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also manifest symptoms outside of the joints. The most common of these is interstitial lung disease in some patients, primarily presenting as asthma. Furthermore, some patients may experience kidney involvement, mainly characterized by significant proteinuria.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly fall into three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory analgesics, which include non-steroidal analgesic drugs such as slow-release diclofenac sodium. For patients with especially high inflammatory indicators, low-dose corticosteroids may also be considered. The second category of drugs includes slow-acting drugs commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, which are immunosuppressants. If the patient does not respond well to non-steroidal analgesic drugs or immunosuppressants, biological agents can be considered as a treatment option. Common biological agents include tumor necrosis factor antagonists. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.)