Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: medication and biological therapy

Treatment is based on several treatment methods.

It is based on non-pharmacological conservative therapy. Its goal is to achieve remission of the disease and keep it in remission for as long as possible.

There is no possibility of a cure yet.

If there is no remission, it is important to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, maintain muscle strength and suppress the progression of joint and bone damage.

Of course, it is important to try to prevent work incapacity and disability.

In the acute stage, bed rest and regimental measures are helpful. Rest reduces the body's inflammatory response, mild activity and exercise are anti-inflammatory. Intensive exertion is not good.

In case of severe difficulties, the limb can be fixed with a plate or orthosis. Prosthetic aids help in case of joint instability. Limb immobilization as well as bed rest must be associated with a suitable form of rehabilitation.

Physical therapy includes cryotherapy, ie cold therapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, laser.

Pharmacological treatment uses the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination with other groups of painkillers - analgesics and corticoids. Medicines come in various forms such as tablets, gels, patches, ointments and more.

However, these drugs have only a symptomatic, not therapeutic effect.

Drugs that have been shown to have a positive effect and suppress the inflammatory process and thus the progression on X-rays are referred to as DMARDs - Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.

There is more.

There is also a biological treatment, including a wide range of biologics (biological drugs).

Invasive surgical method is used, for example, synovectomy, total endoprosthesis - an artificial joint replacement. The indication of the operational approach is recommended by an expert. The reason is serious damage to the joints and bones.

The long-term cooperation of the patient with the doctor is important. Their mutual understanding is important for effective therapy. Psychological support from family members and loved ones is also needed.

Prevention and Supportive Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Prevention is questionable as the exact cause of the outbreak is not known. However, thinking the principles of supportive care are important.

For example:

• healthy lifestyle
• sufficient physical activity
• lots of fluids
• elimination of allergens from food
  • after testing for food intolerances and allergies (milk, gluten, nuts, sausages and others)
• avoid foods such as citrus, chocolate, red meat, alcohol, carbonated drinks, white flour
  • some vegetables such as peppers, eggplant, white potatoes - due to solanine content
• appropriate foods are garlic, onion, leek, chives, cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli and asparagus
  • wheat, rye and others containing histidine
  • supplement your diet
    • turmeric
    • ginger
    • chilli
    • strawberries
    • cherries
• a vegetarian, vegan or paleo diet will relieve the patient's complaints
• nutritional supplements
  • vitamin C - 500 mg 2x daily
  • vitamin D
  • zinc
  • selenium
  • essential fatty acids
  • glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
  • MSM - methylsulfonylmethane
• immune stimulating agents are not recommended
• sufficient physical activity
  • rest in the acute stage
  • exercise in spite of pain - but not too much, pain relief comes later on
  • sufficient rehabilitation
• adjust and maintain an appropriate body weight