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.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What medicine is taken for rheumatoid arthritis?

The medication for rheumatoid arthritis mainly falls into three categories, The first category is the choice of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, which mainly includes two types: non-steroidal analgesics and low doses of corticosteroids. If the patient's pain symptoms are mild, non-steroidal analgesics can be opted for. However, if the patient's pain symptoms are more severe, and there is significant liver or kidney damage, or concurrent interstitial lung disease, then the use of low doses of corticosteroids should be considered. The second and most important category is the choice of immunosuppressants, which include drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide. The third category is the treatment with biologic agents. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic damage to multiple joints with an unclear cause. Thus, it cannot be cured, meaning it cannot be completely healed. Treatment can only alleviate joint pain and morning stiffness through medication, delay the onset of complications, reduce bone damage, decrease disability rates, and improve quality of life. This is the comprehensive purpose of treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and standardized treatment of this disease are essential to prevent joint deformities and to maintain quality of life.

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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 Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Rheumatoid arthritis examinations include blood tests and imaging studies. The blood tests include complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, anti-streptococcal antibodies, ANA, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies. Imaging studies involve X-ray examinations of the hand joints. If the patient has significant increases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, positive CCP and AKA antibodies, and the X-rays show bone destruction, then rheumatoid arthritis can be considered as a diagnosis.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple joints throughout the body and has an unclear etiology, meaning it cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and delay the appearance of joint deformities. Therefore, it is essential to undergo standardized and formal treatment. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage of the medication should gradually be reduced to maintain stability. Do not believe in folk remedies or rumors that claim this disease can be cured; it cannot be cured. During the treatment process, it is important to regularly monitor complete blood counts, liver and kidney functions, electrolytes, and other relevant indicators to avoid damage to liver and kidney functions due to long-term use of medications.