Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: Whether you are newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or have had it for years, there are certain treatments that can be helpful. These treatments include DMARD tablets, COX-2 inhibitors, exercise and support groups. There are also some changes in your diet that you can make that can help.
Exercise
Getting exercise for rheumatoid arthritis treatment can be a great way to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and improve your overall quality of life. However, it’s important to make sure that you start out slowly and don’t injure yourself. Also, it’s best to work with your health care team to design a plan that’s right for you.
For example, you might want to start with a five-minute walk on a flat surface. You can also add body-awareness exercises to your routine. These can help you improve your coordination and posture, and can help you avoid falls.
Some of the most effective forms of exercise for RA include aerobic activities and range-of-motion exercises. These exercises have been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and functional ability.
Another type of exercise is known as isometric strengthening, and it’s a great way to keep your strength and endurance. Isometric exercises can increase your V02max, which is a measure of the rate at which your heart pumps oxygen to your muscles. Isometrics can be performed by using 10%-20% of your maximum tension, which you hold for 10 seconds.
There are many different types of exercises for rheumatoid arthritis, including aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises. You might also consider water therapy, which can help you get moving without straining your joints.
For most people, exercise can be a great way to relieve pain. It can also lower anxiety and depression. It can improve mood and help you sleep better. If you’re unsure about how to exercise for rheumatoid disease, you should speak with your doctor. You can also try a physical therapist.
A good aerobic exercise for RA includes cycling and swimming. These activities are low-impact and can be done indoors on an exercise bike or outside in the pool. It’s also a good idea to wear athletic shoes with shock absorption.
Dietary changes
Increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation in your body and improve your symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You can find out which foods are best for you by speaking to your doctor or dietitian. These changes may also be beneficial in reducing the amount of medications you take to treat your arthritis.
You should also speak to your doctor before you make any drastic changes to your diet. If you are allergic to certain foods, you might want to avoid them. You might also need to increase your intake of dietary supplements. If you have a limited diet, you should talk to your doctor about the best supplement for you.
Many people with RA have low levels of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, they may have a high cholesterol level, which puts them at risk of heart disease.
Eating a plant-based diet is important because it includes all of the nutrients your body needs. Your body can’t absorb these nutrients if you don’t have enough calcium. Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. These can contain antioxidants, which can decrease inflammation and protect your body from oxidative stress.
Choosing whole grains can lower your CRP level. They also help you keep a healthy weight. The fiber in whole grains can also help you manage your appetite.
Adding spices can also reduce inflammation. Research has shown that different types of spices can affect pain and inflammation. For example, capsaicin, found in peppers, is effective at reducing inflammation.
There are also a variety of dietary supplements that can help you manage inflammation. For example, oleic acid can delay the early signs of RA. Other supplements you can take include flaxseed and ground flaxseed.
DMARD tablets
DMARD tablets for rheumatoid arthritis treatment work to slow down the progression of the disease. They do this by blocking certain immune system responses. They are also used to reduce pain and joint stiffness. They are often used in combination with other DMARDs to treat inflammatory arthritis.
Each DMARD has its own unique side effects. They can include a headache, rash, nausea, and fever. These effects often improve over time. It is important to discuss any side effects you experience with your healthcare provider. Those with certain medical conditions may be more prone to these side effects.
DMARDs can be taken by mouth, injection, or in pill form. The dose can range from once a week to once a day. A doctor or rheumatologist will recommend the right medication for your condition.
Because of the potential side effects of DMARDs, patients should talk to their doctors about possible alternative treatments. This includes using non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medications are generally safe and have minimal side effects. However, they may cause stomach upset and GI bleeding.
DMARDs may take several weeks to start working. This means that your health care provider will need to monitor your blood count and liver function regularly. They may also order blood and imaging tests to see if the drug is having an effect on your joints and internal organs.
DMARDs can cause serious side effects, especially in people with liver problems. Because of this, it is important to tell your health care provider if you have a history of liver problems or other diseases.
The side effects of DMARDs can be reversible, though. In most cases, they can be reversed by adjusting the daily dose.
COX-2 inhibitors
Several selective COX-2 inhibitors have been approved in the United States and other countries. They have been shown to be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in relieving arthritic pain. However, they have also been shown to have cardiovascular and gastrotoxic effects.
The use of COX-2 selective inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis treatment has been growing. A review of phase II and III randomized controlled trials conducted by Schnitzer and Hochberg demonstrates that the selective inhibitors are more effective than placebo in alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These agents can be used alone or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs.
Some patients may require a higher dosage of COX-2 inhibitors than others. The dosages may also be adjusted to fit the age and medical conditions of the patient. For example, a low dose can be used for elderly patients or for patients with moderate inflammation. The dose can also be reduced for patients at higher risk for toxicity.
NSAIDs are used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation of joints. They are especially helpful for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some patients may experience diarrhea, stomach bleeding, and congestive heart failure while taking these drugs. In some cases, these side effects are life threatening.
Other possible risks include increased risk of stroke and heart attack. These effects may be due to a reduction in blood flow through the kidneys and the retention of sodium and water. It is therefore important to monitor the amount of potassium in the blood and to avoid drinking alcohol and taking other medications that increase potassium levels.
Some patients have experienced severe allergic reactions, which may be a reason to avoid the use of COX-2 inhibitors. Children under two years of age are not permitted to take these agents. Moreover, they should be taken for the shortest duration possible.
Support groups
Whether you are a newly diagnosed RA patient or have been dealing with the disease for years, a rheumatoid arthritis treatment support group can help. In addition to providing emotional support, they can offer you an outlet for sharing your experiences with others and learning new ways to deal with your daily challenges.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and fatigue throughout the body. The condition can also lead to depression and anxiety. It can also affect your relationships and activities. This is why many people with RA look to other sources for support.
RA support groups can be in-person or online. Some are peer-led, while others are led by a health professional.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a local RA support group. These groups are often led by trained social workers and can be a good way to meet new people and get out of the house.
Online RA support groups can be beneficial, as they can allow you to bounce treatment ideas off other RA patients. They can also provide anonymity, which can be helpful when talking about sensitive topics.
If you are unable to find a local RA support group, you may want to consider starting one. This can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. However, it is important to do some research on the types of groups that are available in your area.
Once you have decided on the type of group you would like to join, you can begin looking for a group that meets your needs. There are many options to choose from, from online groups to social networking sites.
In conclusion, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are many treatment options available that can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments can include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
It is important for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis to work closely with their healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that works for them and to regularly monitor their condition. With the right treatment and support, people with rheumatoid arthritis can live full and active lives.