According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million people in the U.S. Rheumatoid arthritis results in painful inflammation of the joints, which leads to loss of movement and sometimes deformity in the affected areas. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis depend on the severity and progression of the disease as well as the health of the individual.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often prescribed to teach individuals new ways to do everyday tasks that cause pain. Strengthening and flexibility exercises are often a part of physical therapy sessions. Massage may be included to relax muscles, help with sleep and decrease stress.

Medication

Medications may include anti-inflammatory and pain relief drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and immune suppressive medications.

Drug Complications

Long-term corticosteroid use may result in eye problems, calcium loss, weight gain and high blood pressure. DMARD side effects include skin rashes, liver and eye problems, nausea and diarrhea. Rheumatoid arthritis drugs that suppress the immune system may increase the risk of infection or the body's ability to fight some infections.

Diet

Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet may help reduce symptoms. Saturated fats in particular may increase joint inflammation. Some individuals also find that certain foods may make symptoms worse. There is no one food that will cause a flare-up in everyone; it depends upon each individual's food sensitivity.

Considerations

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but progression of the disease may be slowed with aggressive treatment in the early stages.

Source:

The Arthritis Foundation

Mayo Clinic

Alternative Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments