Rheumatoid Arthritis - Best Known Treatments

1
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Best Known Treatments
2
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Rheumatoid arthritis is on the increase on a
global scale and more and more people are looking
for ways to cure this debilitating disease.
3
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
From a conventional medical viewpoint, it is an
autoimmune disease that cannot be cured, and only
the symptoms can be treated. In other words
taking painkillers is all you can really do.
4
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
But the question is Is that the only option for
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
5
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• An autoimmune disease
• A chronic ailment
• Affects both men and women
• Results when immune system of body mistakenly
  attacks the thin membrane lining the joints
  called synovium
• Can cause permanent deformity and joint
  destruction

6
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
If the patient does not undergo treatment, the
disease can potentially lead to bone and joint
damage, eventually causing disability.
7
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Can begin anytime in life
• Speed of onset is relatively rapid and can be
  anywhere within a few weeks to months
• Painful, swollen and stiff joints
• Duration of morning stiffness lasts longer than
  1 hour

8
Rheumatoid Arthritis Characteristics of
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Affects small and large joints on both sides of
  the body (symmetrical), such as both hands, both
  wrists or elbows, or the balls of both feet
• Frequent fatigue and a general feeling of being
  ill are present

9
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
A Closer Look at Rheumatoid Arthritis
10
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis
People suffering from this ailment are also at a
greater risk to develop and suffer from other
diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and heart
disease. This is why it is important for people
who are suffering from this ailment to work with
their doctor and submit to a suitable rheumatoid
arthritis treatment.
11
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• Some of the common symptoms of rheumatoid
  arthritis that you should watch out for are the
  following
• Morning stiffness which lasts for at least one
  hour.
• Swelling and pain in the joints, which usually
  occurs for at least 6 weeks.

12
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

• Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and fever
  may also be present.
• Inflammation on affected areas.
• Fluid accumulating in joints that were
  affected, especially in areas within the ankle.

13
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Although this chronic disease oftentimes develop
in joints located in wrists and knuckles, the
joints at the knees, as well as joints found on
the ball of the foot are also usually
affected. Other joints that can be affected by
rheumatoid arthritis include those in the
cervical spine, shoulders, elbows, jaw or
temporomandibular, and even those joints located
between the inner ear.
14
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
What is the Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
While its cause is not entirely known, it has
been suspected that genetics and environment play
a major role. Scientific researchers believe
that genetics predispose some groups of
individuals to rheumatoid arthritis. Within this
group, environmental factors, viruses and
bacteria can trigger the development of the
disease. If you have a high predisposition to
this ailment, then working with your doctor to
get the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
should be top priority.
15
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Some of the Best Treatments for Rheumatoid
Arthritis

• Conventional Medications
• Alternative Treatment
• Surgical Procedures
• Lifestyle Change

16
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Conventional Medications
This is by far the most broadly used approach in
treating this chronic ailment and involves the
use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or
NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids,
disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs,
immune suppressants, and biologic agents.
17
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Alternative Treatment
There are many types of alternative treatment for
rheumatoid arthritis available for patients who
have been suffering from the painful symptoms.
Patients can always turn to supplements and herbs
to acupuncture and balneotherapy.
18
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Surgical Procedures
In cases where the joints have already been
severely damaged, then surgical procedures may
have to be performed. The success rate of this
type of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
varies, with the most successful ones usually
performed on the hips and knees.
19
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Lifestyle Change
As with many methods of treatment for rheumatoid
arthritis, the need to undergo a lifestyle change
is also necessary for patients suffering from
this ailment. Regular exercise consisting of
aerobic, and flexibility or range of motion
exercises can help relieve the pain brought about
by the ailment.
20
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
Proper exercise works best with a healthy diet.
Consuming a daily diet that is high in
antioxidants and low in saturated fat can
definitely help patients who are undergoing
conventional or alternative treatment.
21
Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Known Treatments
For more information on how to treat rheumatoid
arthritis effectively, visit the rheumatoid
arthritis treatment site and read more about the
disease and the various treatment options that
you have.
Copyright http//rheumatoidarthritistreatmentblo
g.com/