Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling condition affecting approximately 1% of the U.S population and is classified as a autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system initiates an attack on itself. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, it attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and damage. There is no cure at this time for rheumatoid arthritis or any other autoimmune disorders for that matter. Therefore, those who are diagnosed will have it for the duration of their lives. Even though no cure exists, rheumatoid arthritis can be treated effectively to manage symptoms and slow down the advancement of the disease.

Managing Pain

Medication is one alternative to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis that will reduce inflammation and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may be the first medication taken. If over the counter medications such as this are ineffective, a stronger dosage may be prescribed. Rheumatoid arthritis therapy, as well as home remedies such as heating pads and warm baths, have provided relief for some patients from painful symptoms. Quite often, a mix of home remedies and medication provide the best form of treatment.

Slowing Disease Progression

Slowing the advancement of rheumatoid arthritis to prevent joint damage is another alternative to a cure that can be effective. With the new medications available, this process of slowing it done has become less difficult. For this purpose, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are an excellent choice. Trexall and Plaquenil are the commercial names that these medications are under, depending on which ingredients are included. Many doctors encourage the patient to begin taking this type of medication as soon as possible to limit further progression as much as possible.

Suppressing the Immune System

Suppressing the immune system to prevent it from attacking the joints might be as close at it gets to having a cure. This is performed using DMARDs mentioned above, in particular Remicade and Enbrel which are biologic response modifiers. While obviously not a cure, as long as the patient decides to take this medication he or she will slow the disease down. The two downfalls with biologic response modifiers is that they must be injected and can be expensive.

Effective forms of treatment are available fortunately to control rheumatoid arthritis. While having a cure would be better, with early diagnoses and the right treatment, a patient can live a relatively pain free life.