Figuring Out Healthcare
Learning More About Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Going to a reliable rheumatologist for your pain and inflammation concerns with your rheumatoid arthritis is essential. When it comes to your condition, you can choose from several rheumatoid arthritis treatment options. Until this day, there is no cure for this condition affecting your joints. So that you will not suffer from further damage to your joints and even deformity, you can increase your joint function with proper remedies and medication with the guidance from your rheumatologist. Below is a guide to rheumatoid arthritis treatment choices that you can choose from.
When it comes to treating the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you choose from two different classes of medications. In terms of medication, you select from first-line medications and second-line medications. For symptoms of this condition, first-line drugs are used to respond to them fast with the likes of cortisone and aspirin. They can help in the reduction of pain and inflammation. You see patients that steer clear from any type of medication with steroids that is why they choose medications without them. Going from one medication to another for rheumatoid arthritis may be one of the things that you can do to find the most suitable one for you. It is the goal of your rheumatologist to make sure to find a first-line drug that will offer you the least side effects.
If your rheumatologist requires a much stronger first-line drug from you, the use of corticosteroids in injection or oral form is the most common. You get to experience serious side effects with these drugs, however, despite of their ability to give your improved joint function and mobility. Getting high doses of these drugs for a period of time that is much longer will increase your chances of suffering from weight gain, facial puffiness, and muscle wasting.
When it comes to second-line drugs, the action of the drug is much slower. The most common examples of these drugs are methotrexate, gold, and hydroxychloroquine. The use of this type of drug is often common for patients that need remission from the disease and prevention of progressive joint damage. They do not have any anti-inflammatory action. Usually, for the most aggressive choice of second-line drugs, methotrexate is what your doctor will prescribe to you. You can choose from different injection and oral drugs as second-line drugs.
As last resort in terms of medication for rheumatoid arthritis, immunosuppressive drugs are most commonly used. This is often used when the condition has turned out worst.
If the patient who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis has an intense joint deformity, getting surgery may be necessary. In order for your joint mobility to be restored and your damaged joints to be mended, you should get surgery for your rheumatoid arthritis. For arthroscopy, orthopedic surgeons are the ones who will take on such action. The use of metal to replace damaged tissue may be necessary for replacement of your joints like those from your hip or knee. To know the best treatment option, at the end of the day, you still have to go see a good rheumatologist for it.
