Newer Treatment Options
Rheumatoid arthritis or RA in short is an autoimmune disease involving the immune system of the body which normally protects the body by attacking foreign substances like viruses & bacteria. Most commonly rheumatoid arthritis is found to affect joints of wrists, hands, elbows, ankles, feet & knees. Most often the effect on joints is symmetrical, meaning that when one hand or knee is affected the other one is also feeling similar symptoms. Moreover, since RA can also affect body systems like respiratory or cardiovascular systems, it is a systemic disease which can affect the entire body. Common Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis Goals of rheumatoid arthritis treatments are as follows: Put disease in remission or stop inflammation. Prevent damage to organs & joints Relieve symptoms Improve overall well-being & physical function Reduce complications in the long-term Doctors usually adopt a combination of strategies for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis including