Because the disease affects individuals in such different ways, treatment too must be tailored. Doctors traditionally customize treatment by taking into consideration a variety of different factors that include the extent of the disease activity, the types of joints involved, and the patient’s general health, age and occupation. No single therapy is effective for everyone, and it is common for patients to find that they need to change treatment strategies during the course of their disease.
Combinations of treatments are often found to be effective, but in addition to medications, therapy may include rest, joint strengthening exercises, joint protection and patient and family education. Sometimes surgery may be necessary to correct joint damage. For all these reasons, it is common for several different providers to be involved in the overall management of the disease. Expertise is often required from a multidisciplinary team that includes a rheumatologist, a primary care physician and physical and occupational therapists.
The Role of Medication
Rheumatoid arthritis medications range from over the counter products to highly advanced prescription therapies. Most can relieve the symptoms and many can also slow or halt the progression of the disease. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include:
