Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where your body's immune system attacks your joints. This can result in significant pain, swelling and loss of function in your joints, particularly in your hands and wrist. According to Medline Plus, women between the ages of 25 and 55 are most likely to develop RA. Researchers have not identified a cause and there is no known cure. Therefore, doctors rely on medications, therapy and surgery to treat the symptoms of RA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common drugs used to treat RA; however, there are other alternatives that you should be aware of.
Therapy
Ask your doctor if therapy can improve your symptoms and help you complete your daily activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, an occupational therapist can help you find different ways to approach everyday tasks in order to take stress off your painful joints. Your doctor may also prescribe assistive devices to help you complete these tasks. You must make your therapy sessions purposeful, and commit to learning the new exercises and techniques taught to you by your therapist in order to gain the most benefit.
Steroids
Medications may be necessary to treat RA and prevent the worsening of this disease. Many of the other prescribed medications are designed to reduce the damage that your immune system is causing to your joints. Unfortunately, these medications can cause serious side effects. For example, steroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. Side effects of steroids include easy bruising, thinning of bones, cataracts, weight gain, a round face and diabetes, states the Mayo Clinic.
Anti-Cancer Drugs
Often anti-cancer drugs are prescribed in more serious cases. These drugs can slow the progression of RA by reducing inflammatory substances produced by your body. These drugs include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (methotrexate, hydroxychlorquine and others), immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine and others), TNF-alpha inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab) and other drugs (anakinra, abatacept and rituximab). These drugs have significant side effects that can cause liver damage, severe infections, congestive heart failure, blood disorders and lymphoma. Make sure you fully discuss your dosage schedule with your doctor, because improper use can cause serious damage. Immediately let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of these side effects.
Surgery
Surgery is another alternative to NSAID treatment for RA. Surgery may be recommended if you have damaged or deformed joints. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may recommend a joint replacement, tendon repair, removal of the inflamed portions of the joint or a joint fusion. Be sure to fully discuss this option with your doctor, because there are associated risks of bleeding, infection and pain with surgery. However, this may be the best option to treat your RA symptoms.
source : livestrong.com
No comments:
Post a Comment