How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

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Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis must be indicated by the rheumatologist, as the indicated drugs may vary according to the symptoms presented by the person and stage of the disease. In addition to drug treatment, physiotherapy is recommended to activate joints, strengthen muscles and relieve symptoms. It is also important to change eating habits, consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties daily to relieve symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory, systemic and chronic disease that causes symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the joints, especially when waking up, and which has no cure. Established treatment for arthritis is aimed at relieving symptoms, preventing disease progression and improving quality of life. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis.

The best treatment options are:

1. Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with drugs should ideally be started within the first 12 months of disease development, as early drug therapy helps to prevent more serious damage by improving functional capacity.

Some examples of the most commonly used remedies include:

  • Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) : they are the first line of treatment and should be started soon after diagnosis;
  • Analgesics and anti-inflammatories : They are mainly used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Drug treatment should be done according to the doctor's recommendation and it is important that the person is constantly monitored by the doctor so that the body's response to the treatment can be observed.

2. Physiotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Physiotherapy treatment is a great way to decrease pain, inflammation and improve the quality of movement in the affected joint. Physiotherapy is also important to keep muscles properly strengthened and stretched, as well as to prevent or reduce joint deformities.

Physical therapy should include active and passive exercises and stretching, the use of electrotherapy devices, and the use of hot water bottles. In addition, the practice of aerobic physical exercises, such as walking, cycling, swimming and water aerobics can also be indicated. Learn how physical therapy for arthritis is done.

3. Surgery for rheumatoid arthritis

When rheumatoid arthritis generates deformities that reduce the person's quality of life, the rheumatologist, together with an orthopedist, will be able to assess the need for surgery to correct the deformities. However, this will depend on the individual's general health status and their daily activities.

4. Complementary treatment for arthritis

Complementary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can be done with diet, meditation, acupuncture, auriculotherapy, massage, chiropractic, among others, but it does not exclude the need for clinical and physical therapy, although they can improve quality of life.

5. Natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Natural treatment can be done with the use of medicinal plants that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic properties, in the form of tea, juice or poultice, as they help relieve symptoms, which has a direct impact on quality of life. 

However, this type of treatment should never replace the drug treatment indicated by the doctor and, in addition, these remedies should only be used with the knowledge and authorization of the rheumatologist. Some good examples include:

  • Horsetail, fennel and burdock tea ;
  • Drink eggplant juice with lemon when you wake up;
  • Drink pineapple juice daily .

Sucupira tea is also great, and this plant can also be used in capsules. See more tips in the following video:

Signs of improvement and worsening

Signs of improvement arise with proper treatment and include a decrease in symptoms and improvement in movements, however, symptoms tend to be more intense and complications can arise if treatment is not carried out.

As this disease has no cure, it is necessary to carry out the treatment for life, and it is also important to avoid smoking, alcohol and exercise regularly, with the follow-up of a physical education professional.

Complications of rheumatoid arthritis

Due to the involvement of bones, cartilage, joint capsule, tendons, ligaments and muscles, deformities can arise in the joints, which make movement difficult and leave an unsightly appearance in the person.

As the disease is progressive and has no cure, over time, the person may have deformities such as windy toes and swan neck toes, inward-turned knees, changes in the spine, ruptured tendons and joint and foot erosions. plans. To prevent these complications it is recommended to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor and have regular physiotherapy sessions.