Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment

Many different medications can be used to treat the underlying causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They may belong to the following categories: Anti-inflammatory: Any medication or substance that helps to reduce inflammation in the body,... Full Answer

Yes! Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. So even on days when you don't feel up to it, try to do some physical activity, even if it's just stretching gently or taking a short walk. If you're not already a regular exerciser, ask your... Full Answer

Corticosteroids, often just called steroids, provide quick relief from pain and inflammation. They may be used at high doses in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to quickly tamp down inflammation at the start of... Full Answer

Treatments for joints affected by RA are aimed at relieving pain, restoring function, and minimizing progression of the disease. Anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful. Disease-modifying drugs which help keep the immune system from creating... Full Answer

Synovectomy is a useful treatment option for early rheumatoid arthritis that has not improved with medicine, including DMARDs or corticosteroid injections. It may provide only temporary relief. Full Answer

Risks of synovectomy include the risks of surgery and using anesthesia and a slight risk of infection and bleeding within the joint. There may also be a loss in the range of motion of the joint, or the inflammation in the joint may return. Full Answer

Synovectomy does not cure the disease, but it may relieve symptoms temporarily. Full Answer

Synovectomy may be used to treat joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis that have minimal bone or cartilage destruction when medicine has not relieved pain. Synovectomy may be considered if significant pain persists after 6 to 12 months of drug... Full Answer

As soon as possible after surgery, a physical therapist will teach you how and when to move the joint. Recovery depends on the surgical technique used and the location of the incisions. Following knee synovectomy, your knee will be immobilized in a... Full Answer

Synovectomy surgery is done to remove inflamed joint tissue (synovium) that is causing unacceptable pain or is limiting your ability to function or your range of motion. Ligaments and other structures may be moved aside to access and remove the inflamed... Full Answer