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Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment

Description

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints that can affect the tissue around joints as well as organ tissue. It occurs from the body's immune system, consisting of antibodies and other cells, attacking the body's own tissues and treating them as infections, causing the inflammation. This characterizes it as an autoimmune disease.

Causes

The exact cause has not yet been identified by scientists. It is thought that Rheumatoid Arthritis may be genetically inherited. It has been speculated that bacteria or viruses may be responsible as well. Many agree that environmental and hormonal factors influence Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Prevention

Because the exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis has not been found, there is no clear way to prevent it. However, maintaining a good exercise regiment as well as good nutrition to strengthen the joints may decrease the chances of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Common Symptoms

The typical symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, especially in the morning. There is also swelling of the joints from fluid buildup as well as joint pain and redness of the skin around the joint. Non-joint symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and minor fever.

Rare Symptoms

In some people, Rheumatoid Arthritis may extend towards blood vessels, causing them to swell and form nodules. Fluid buildup may occur behind the knee resulting in a Baker's cyst.

Traditional Treatment

Conventional treatments include physical therapy, such as exercise and hot/cold treatments, in combination with drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If these drugs fail, more powerful drugs may be used such as gold salts and corticosteroids. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used as well.

Alternative Treatment

Alternative treatments include Eastern medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal therapy. Massage therapy, nutrition/diet therapy, and natural supplements such as glucosamine may reduce symptoms.

Treatment Comparison

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Brands	Effectiveness	Holistic Benefits	Side Effects	Number of Ratings
Aleve	9.67	7.39	2.11	3
Enbrel	9.33	7.11	4.4	3
Plaquenil	6.25	4.81	4.06	4
Remicade	5	5.67	5.21	4
Advil	3.33	4.68	3.13	3
Motrin	0	0	0	0

View All	About these Scores
	Choose a condition to compare treatments based on user feedback. You can sort by Effectiveness, Holistic Benefits or Side Effects RateADrug user scores, or the number of Ratings. Scores gain significance with the number of ratings, so please share your experiences - rate your drug! Close

Research and Development

NYU researchers have researched a drug known as Compound 20 that increases the activity of anti-inflammatory cells in the immune system, increasing the potential to reduce rheumatoid arthritis. In the UK, Newcastle University researchers discussed the possible creation of a rheumatoid arthritis vaccine that would deactivate the immune system in the affected area by transforming white blood cells i View more...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

(Shown in order of most frequently rated)

23 Drugs

0 Supplements

Motrin

Imuran

Arthrotec

Azulfidine

Celebrex

Solu-Medrol

Voltaren

Decadron