Strategies for Alleviating the Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Potent Therapies for RA Management
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. While there is no cure, a range of treatment options is available to help manage the symptoms and slow its progression.
Medication plays a significant role in RA treatment. The primary goal is to reduce inflammation or limit the disease's progression. This can be achieved through various medications, including Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic DMARDs.
DMARDs work by slowing the immune system's overactivity and changing the body's immune and inflammatory responses. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) drugs, a newer type of DMARD, seem to be as safe and effective as biologic DMARDs but at a more accessible price point.
However, these medications come with side effects. Corticosteroids can lead to swollen legs, weight gain, higher blood pressure, extreme mood shifts, increased blood sugar, a higher risk of infection, weak bones, skin that bruises easily, and a higher risk of heart disease. DMARDs may have different side effects for different people, including liver damage and an increased risk of infections.
Beyond medication, lifestyle changes, home remedies, and therapeutics in the research stage also play a role in RA management. Home remedies can include hot and cold treatments and supplements like omega-3 fish oil and turmeric, which may help with RA pain and morning stiffness. However, it's crucial to consult a doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.
Physical therapy can help people with RA develop a gentle, sustainable workout and stretching plan, provide safe, comfortable workarounds for daily tasks, and help people with RA retain a little more quality of life. Regular exercise can increase muscle mass, improve cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of obesity, improve strength and physical function, and may reduce the risk of flares.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases. Synovectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the inflamed lining of a joint, can reduce pain, improve joint flexibility, and prevent bone and tissue damage. Total joint replacement (TJR) or arthroplasty involves replacing a damaged joint with a prosthesis made of plastic and metal to improve a person's daily function and mobility. Joint fusion or arthrodesis can stabilize or realign a joint to decrease pain but can reduce how much the joint moves and flexes.
Future treatments primarily focus on improving existing medications, specifically DMARDs, and identifying biomarkers to produce better therapeutic results. Innovative approaches like breathing micelles (BM) and breathing balls, which aim to mop up excess nitric oxide in the body and calm the inflammatory response, are being researched.
It's essential to note that the earlier treatment for RA starts, the better. Exercise is important for people with RA, as lack of exercise can lead to complications like hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. People living with RA might also experience cachexia, or a significant decrease in muscle mass, which contributes to the risk of fatigue and diabetes.
While a Mediterranean diet may help RA symptoms due to its focus on anti-inflammatory foods, there is no specific diet that can ease RA symptoms. Research is also working on reducing or discontinuing medications in people with low-RA disease activity or remission.
In conclusion, while RA is a complex and challenging disease, a variety of treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It's crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalised treatment plan that considers the stage and age of the patient, as well as their individual needs and preferences.
