subject: Treatment Methods For Rheumatoid Arthritis [print this page] Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder or an autoimmune disease that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system.
Nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin, diffuse inflammation in the lungs, pleura, pericardium, and sclera are some of known troubles caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. It is suspected that autoimmunity plays a vital role in both the chronicity and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
Even while infectious agents like the types of fungi, viruses and bacteria have long been suspected for long, the fact is none has been proven as the cause so far and the real cause is yet to be unraveled. At the same time is has also been suspected for a long time that certain environmental infections or factors trigger the activation of the immune system in individuals who are susceptible. A few other environmental factors, such as smoking, are also seen playing a role in being one of the causes of rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity.
Till date there's no known cure or permanent remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and the goal of rheumatoid arthritis treatment has always been to minimize joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent any joint destruction and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment is customized for individuals based on several factors like general health, age, disease activity, types of joints involved, and the patient's occupation.
Several treatment options are available for rheumatoid arthritis. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms. Disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs are often required to inhibit or stop the underlying immune process and avoid any long-term damage. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, nutritional therapy, occupational therapy and orthoses. Recently, the newer group of biologics has resulted in increased treatment options.
by: Eric Gray
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