What should you pay attention to with rheumatoid arthritis?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications to control the condition, relieve clinical symptoms, delay the onset of joint deformities, reduce complications, and improve quality of life. These are the main goals of treatment. Therefore, in the treatment process, the following points should be noted:

First, do not stop taking medication on your own. After the condition stabilizes, reduce the medication slowly under the guidance of a physician;

Second, diagnosis and treatment should be as early as possible to prevent the appearance of joint deformities;

Third, during treatment, it's important to periodically recheck blood routine, liver and kidney functions, and electrolytes;

Fourth, avoid excessive fatigue. However, one should not be inactive; physical exercise is an important part of the treatment process for rheumatoid arthritis;

Fifth, pay attention to keeping warm, avoid getting cold, and avoid the intake of raw and cold foods. These are some important precautions to take.

Other Voices

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are mainly classified into four categories, First, environmental factors, such as living in dark, damp conditions for a long period, may trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Second, genetic factors, the probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis significantly increases if a parent has the condition. Third, rheumatoid arthritis often relates to estrogen, thus it is more commonly seen in female patients clinically. Fourth, rheumatoid arthritis is also associated with certain infections, including some viral and bacterial infections.

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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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is joint pain rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, it should be noted that there are many causes of joint pain in clinical practice, and it is not necessarily caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint pain in patients. In addition, there are some other reasons, for example, local joint bacterial infection in patients can also cause joint pain. Furthermore, joint injuries leading to fractures, dislocations, soft tissue damage, ligament injuries, and meniscus injuries can also cause joint pain. Additionally, the presence of osteoarthritis or gouty arthritis can similarly lead to joint pain in patients.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How should rheumatoid arthritis be treated?

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis includes several aspects. First, general treatment: keep a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulant foods, ensure joints are kept warm, and avoid excessive fatigue. Second, medication treatment: during acute flare-ups, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac sodium or etoricoxib can be used, possibly combined with low doses of corticosteroids. During stable phases, immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or leflunomide are needed. If conventional treatments are ineffective, biological agents like adalimumab or tofacitinib can be combined. Most patients can effectively control their condition after combined treatment. Third, traditional Chinese medicine: alongside Western medicine, Chinese herbal medicine such as total glucosides of paeony or tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside can be used.

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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.