RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENTS

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, preventing deformity and maintaining normal function. Exercise, physiotherapy and dietary advice are an important part of treatment.

Treatment with drugs that slow joint destruction and reduce disability (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDS) are also used. These drugs need between four weeks and three months to take effect. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have no effect on long-term disability but do relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids are also used. Surgery may eventually be required to reduce joint deformity or replace damaged joints e.g. hip replacement.

Many drugs used in the treatment of RA have side-effects. For more information on these drugs speak to your GP. The Arthritis Foundation of Ireland also has some very informative free leaflets.