What You Need To Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Guidelines
Do you have rheumatoid arthritis? If you do, you know the pain
, discomfort, stiffness and fatigue that it can bring. There can be other symptoms such as depression that can complicate your daily life and make it difficult to cope. If this is the case, you may want to look at some of the rheumatoid arthritis treatment guidelines that have been developed recently. They may help keep you feeling good and give you the quality of life you are looking for.
The first step is to consult with a specialist. If you have not done so already, this is a critical step in ensuring that you get the right treatment for your needs. They will be able to look over test results and your medical history as well to make sure that you are dealing with RA and not one of the other related diseases. They will also be able to advise you on some of the medicines which are available that can help you manage your symptoms.
Unlike other forms of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA is caused by the body's immune system. It causes pain, stiffness, swelling and heat in the joints. Over time, the joints become deformed and they may become unusable if the process is not halted. Many of the treatment guidelines that have been developed involve moderating or changing the body's immune system and how it acts on the joints.
Treatment guidelines can take many different forms. There are guidelines surrounding diet, exercise and the medications that are used in order to manage the symptoms that RA can cause. As well, some treatment guidelines may also be related to managing any other health issues that can develop as a result of having RA. Treatment guidelines may also vary depending on the age and gender of the person who is suffering from RA. For example, a young person who is dealing with Juvenile RA may have a different treatment plan than someone who has had the disease strike them when they were adults.
One of the main areas where treatment guidelines are important is medication. There can be many different medications which are prescribed. Some may deal with the pain and inflammation that RA can cause. They may work by masking pain, such as with opioids or they may work by modifying the body's immune system so it is less capable of damaging the body's joints. Others may work to target side effects such as fatigue or some of the diseases that can accompany RA.
Many treatment plans that are developed for RA sufferers will also include physiotherapy. A skilled physiotherapist can help maintain your quality of life by increasing or maintaining range of motion. Regular physical activity can actually keep you feeling much more comfortable than a sedentary lifestyle will. Keep in mind that you need to be careful of the exercises that you do and that you need to follow the guidelines set out by a physiotherapist who has experience treating RA.
Diet can also be an important treatment method. Losing weight is important if an RA sufferer is too heavy. This can place added strain on the joints and make the condition worse. By establishing a healthy eating plan that is well balanced, you will have the energy and strength to deal with the challenges that RA can bring with it. Vitamin supplements may also be necessary in order to keep someone feeling as healthy and energetic as possible.
Setting up effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment guidelines that will work for you is rarely a rapid process. It may take testing and careful adjustment of the medications and treatment methods that are being used in order to help treat your symptoms in the best way possible. By taking the time to stay up to date on newer therapies and medications you will be able to stay in control of your disease and stay as productive and comfortable as possible.
by: Jessica Colby
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