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Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease. Therefore, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is complex and involves many aspects. Although there is no known cure in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment has been shown to improve function and stop damage. Optimal treatment of rheumatoid arthritis involves a combination of medication, rest, exercise, joint care, stress reduction and healthful diet.

These treatment approaches are used in different combinations and at different times during the course of the disease and are chosen according to each individual situation. No matter what treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is chosen, the goals are the same: to relieve joint pain and inflammation, slow or stop joint damage, maximize joint function and improve the person's ability to function.

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Medication: Two classes of medications are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis: fast-acting "first-line drugs," and slow-acting "second-line drugs."

The first-line drugs, such as aspirin and cortisone (corticosteroids), are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Arthritin is a highly effective "first-line" treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritin is specially designed to help diminish the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritin offers a natural approach to arthritis without the long term use and subsequent dangers of NSAID's such as common aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and others. When under a physician's care, Arthritin is also useful as a natural complement to pharmaceutical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The slow-acting second-line drugs, also referred to as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs or DMARDs, such as gold, methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) promote disease remission and prevent progressive joint destruction, but they are not anti-inflammatory agents.

Rest and Exercise: Rest and exercise are crucial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rest helps reduce active joint inflammation and pain. Short rest breaks are more helpful than spending longer periods of time in bed. Exercise is important for preserving joint mobility, maintaining flexibility, aiding in sleep, reducing pain and maintaining or losing weight. People with rheumatoid arthritis need a good balance between the two, with more rest when rheumatoid arthritis is active and more exercise when it is not.

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Joint Care: Using a splint around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling by supporting the joint. Splints are used mostly on wrists and hands, but also on ankles and feet. Helpful devices like zipper pullers, shoe horns and devices to help with getting on and off chairs, toilet seats, and beds are other ways to reduce stress on joints.

Stress Reduction: Rheumatoid arthritis adds emotional challenges to physical challenges. The emotions of fear, anger and frustration combined with pain and physical limitations and can increase their stress level. Stress may also affect the amount of pain a person feels. Rest and exercise can help reduce stress, as can relaxation, distraction, or visualization exercises in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Healthful Diet: Studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in certain fish or plant seed oils may reduce rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. An overall nutritious diet is important but what you take out of the diet may be as important as what you add to the diet.

The most common irritants to eliminate for the arthritis diet are: Beef, pork, chocolate, eggs, citrus fruits, coffee, corn, malt, milk, potatoes, tomatoes, some spices, wheat, yeast, sugar, and chemical additives are common arthritis irritants, as a re nightshade foods. Approximately one-third of rheumatic arthritis sufferers are sensitive to nightshade plants like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers.

For an in-depth look at the foods to avoid and foods to add to the diet for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, see rheumatoid arthritis diet. Also of interest is an article outlining the benefits of exercise for rheumatoid arthritis.

Surgery: Doctors often recommend surgery for badly damaged joints but recent studies indicate that joint surgery may not be effective. Thoroughly research the surgery option before going under the knife. This decision should be given careful consideration.

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