The chronic condition that tears down the joint tissue are called rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is responsible for tissue erosion. Extreme inflammation of arthritis may also affect internal organs. Healthline estimates that this condition affects about 1.3 million people in the US.[1] Sadly, nothing can cure rheumatoid arthritis entirely, but there are lots of medications to help you control the symptoms and alleviate pain. The most popular method of arthritis therapy is medicine and surgery.
Medication
Over the last twenty years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The most common therapy consists of anti-rheumatic medication or DMARDs that alter the disease.[2] These drugs are typically paired with other anti-inflammatory medications. You should also take corticosteroids with your DMARD for swelling and pain relief. DMARD can, however, have extreme negative side-effects.
To the point of partial or total vision loss, these medications will affect your vision. Often if you take DMARD, you may have a rough time getting pregnant and keeping your pregnancy. Some mothers could also end up giving birth to an infant with these drug-induced birth defects. Less serious but equally unpleasant are other consequences of the medications. When taking DMARD, several patients report suffering from diarrhea. Each patient receives a particular autoimmune treatment due to these possible side-effects. So, make sure you get all the details about the potentially harmful side effects before you start taking DMARDs.
Your general condition will be closely analyzed by rheumatologists and the correct form of therapy for your case will be decided. Reducing inflammation and painful symptoms can be the main goal of the treatment. You can deliberately avoid additional joint damage by reducing inflammation. Patients that are in remission are typically given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID). Some treatments, similar to DMARD, address joint inflammation. Patients are typically expected to receive their treatment without the help of a specialist.
Surgery
You will have to get surgery to heal your joints if you have sustained tissue injury due to rheumatoid arthritis. Fixing joint tissue with metal or composite components is used in the surgery. Most arthritis drugs though will reduce the capacity of your body to resist infection after surgery.[3] That’s why it’s important to contact your doctor to figure out if the right treatment for your condition is surgery. After treatment, most people completely heal and go on to live happy and healthy lives.
Healthy Diet
You’ll really need a balanced diet to prevent inflammation and joint injury, in addition to taking your medicine daily. We suggest that you eat plenty of antioxidant-containing foods. The Mediterranean diet can be sought. This diet consists predominantly of fish, fresh vegetables, olive oil, and fruits. On the other end, you might further weaken your connective tissue if your diet includes packaged meats, fast food, and fried foods. This is why doctors will advise that you change your eating habits entirely to better strengthen your health. Other foods that can induce inflammation include, salty foods, sugar-rich foods, and carbohydrates [4]
Changing Your Habits
To change your diet and avoid pain and inflammation, there are many things that you can do. Try to take daily breaks to relax your joints while you are busy. They also suggest that regular workouts be included in the schedule. Easy movements such as relaxing or doing yoga can significantly enhance your flexibility and make it easier for you to walk about.
You will reinforce your joints in this way and stop further injury. Stopping smoking and consuming alcohol is also wise since this can induce joint inflammation. The most critical thing, though is having a good outlook and respecting your situation. You will learn more about how to handle it until you grasp the condition. With the right care and good behavior, many individuals who suffer from arthritis will live long and happy lives.
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/facts-statistics-infographic#4
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521615/
3.https://www.hss.edu/conditions_surgery-in-patient-with-inflammatory-arthritis.asp
4.https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-to-avoid-with-arthritis
Zombie nerd. Entrepreneur. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Hardcore food lover. “You’re not a real man until you’ve loved a woman who does a little dance before she pushes out a fart.”