Diagnosing and Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

When the patient displays any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is wise to consult a doctor immediately. It is advisable to consult a doctor who specializes in rheumatoid arthritis, or a rheumatologist, as he is also called.

The doctor, before making a diagnosis, will go through a patient's case history. The doctor also checks the patient for any nodule formations, swellings in the joints, and for any deformities. Besides these, the doctor examines the blood samples of the patient as well, and takes x-rays of the area where the symptom is manifested. The doctor also studies the pattern of inflammation of the joints.

X ray diagnosis

The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the evidence accrued from x-rays and the results of the tests performed. Also, the diagnosis is relatively easier to make if the inflammations are found to be symmetrical, as that is one of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It becomes harder if the pattern of inflammation is asymmetrical.

Once the diagnosis is made, the next step is treatment. As of now, rheumatoid arthritis has no permanent remedy, i.e. no total cure is available.

However, with proper treatment, it is possible to keep the disease at manageable levels. That is, in fact, the aim of all treatment that is available - reduce the pain, keep the symptoms under control, and enhance the mobility of the patient (which in severe cases mobility may be hampered).

Treating rheumatoid arthritis

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is not generalized. It varies depending on a number of factors - the severity of the disease, the age of the patient, the joints affected, the overall health of the patient, etc. The treatment includes drugs and therapy.

Two types of drugs are used to combat rheumatic arthritis.

Fast acting drugs (first line drugs)

These include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as well as corticosteroids and offer immediate relief. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen. These, however, have side effects, mostly related to the stomach.

Doctors therefore prescribe medication to counter the side effects as well, while prescribing NSAIDs. Corticosteroids have a speedier effect in controlling the pain. However, these have serious side effects if taken over long time periods and in high doses. The side effects include increase in body weight, puffiness of the face, and even osteoporosis.

DMARDS or Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (second-line drugs)

These work by causing remission of the disease. They prevent further damage to the joints in question, but are not anti-inflammatory unlike the first-line drugs.

These include gold salts, taken both orally and through injections. However, these have numerous side effects, including mouth sores, diarrhea, etc. Other second line drugs include methotrexate, hydrochloroquine, d-penicillamine.

Newer drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis include leflunomide, infliximab, etanarcept, etc. In extreme cases, replacement surgery may be recommended. While this is effective, it is a painful and expensive process.

Alternative medicine and therapies

Besides these medical treatments, there are other therapies available in traditional healing systems as well, like yoga, ayurveda and homeopathy.

Yoga, because of its holistic approach, has been found to be very effective in bringing about remission of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients are also recommended to use fish oil, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the basic things that can also help include regular and proper exercising and eating healthy food.