There are three primary types of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that your doctor will recommend when diagnosed with this disease. These different treatment types include NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologics. It is important to talk over the different treatment methods in order to determine which treatment is the best option for you and your condition.
NSAIDs are non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs. These are used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. They are not used as a treatment for slowing down the progression of the problem though. This means that during the holidays when you are decorating the artificial Christmas trees you will be able to participate by taking these to subside the pain. Most NSAIDs can be purchased over the counter in drug forms like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Prescription NSAIDs are longer lasting and don’t require as many doses in the day as an over the counter drug. The prescription drugs are stronger and they increase risks in problems like heart attack and stroke.
DMARDs are disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. These are designed to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. When rheumatoid arthritis progresses it targets joints and other areas in a body with an overactive immune system. Arthritis is not selective in which part of the body it targets. The DMARDs work by decreasing an overactive immune system to slow down arthritis from attacking. The problem with drugs like this is that they increase the likelihood of becoming ill. The most common drug on the market today that is a DMARD is known as methotrexate. People who have taken this drug have found that they are able to decorate the artificial Christmas trees during the holidays and do much more because their joint function is preserved.
Biologics are the newest form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. They are considered to be the most effective also. These are proteins that are genetically engineered and derived from human genes. They goal with biologics is to inhibit specific components of the immune system that is responsible for inflammation. This is because inflammation is the primary factor of arthritis. In most cases, doctors are using biologics when other medications have failed to help with problems associated with arthritis and the progression. People who find they are in too much pain to decorate the prelit Christmas trees and they are taking DMARDs or NSAIDs then the doctor may want to try biologics.
There is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis today. There are many treatments that work to relieve the pain and swelling caused by the disease but there is not a cure. Today, doctors will prescribe drugs called NSAIDs to help relieve the pain of arthritis for the joints and swelling. These can also be purchased over the counter and provide the same relief but a person must take more of the pills to get the effectiveness of a prescription. The DMARDs work to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis but the problem with these drugs are that they decrease the ability of the immune system to protect a body against illness.
Article source: http://www.medicalrehabilation.com/blog/treatment-for-rheumatoid-arthritis/