YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

To achieve your goals in managing rheumatoid arthritis, you need a plan of action.  Here is a general framework to help you:

1. Confirm your diagnosis: The treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include powerful mediciations that can have significant side effects.  You must make sure that your doctors have tested you properly and are in agreement that you have rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Start medications: Modern medical advancements have dramatically improved outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis.  It is important to consider starting medications soon after diagnosis because it is possible to prevent painful, debilitating joint deformities.  In many cases, remission is a reasonable goal, where the disease process stops altogether.
3. Improve your lifestyle: healthy diet, weight loss, smoking cessation, and other daily health habits can play a major role in your joint health.  These factors, when properly addressed, can really help you manage your RA both short- and long-term. 
4. Consider complementary therapies: there are several “alternative” treatments such as acupuncture, tai chi, massage, and water therapy that may reduce pain and/or improve function.
5. Consider surgery: In cases where people develop joint deformities that affect function, orthopedic consultation may be indicated to find out what surgical options are available.