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Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Lifestyle Modifications
Manage symptoms, improve joint function, enhance overall well-being, and reduce disease progression.
- Engage in regular, low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking, or cycling to maintain joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce stiffness.
- Adopt a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting processed foods and red meat, to support overall health and reduce inflammation.
- Practice stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help reduce pain perception and potentially minimize flare-ups.
- Ensure adequate rest and sleep to combat fatigue, a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, and support the body's healing processes.
- Cease smoking, as it is a significant risk factor for developing more severe rheumatoid arthritis and can hinder treatment effectiveness.
ConsultPhysiotherapistOccupational TherapistDietitian
Medicinal Treatment
Reduce inflammation, relieve pain, slow disease progression, and prevent joint damage.
- Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, and leflunomide to slow disease progression and prevent joint damage.
- Biologic and Targeted Synthetic DMARDs (bDMARDs, tsDMARDs) for patients with moderate to severe RA who have not responded adequately to conventional DMARDs.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation, particularly during flare-ups.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) for short-term control of severe inflammation and pain, often used to bridge the gap until DMARDs take effect.
- Pain relievers, including over-the-counter or prescription analgesics, to manage pain symptoms not adequately controlled by other medications.
ConsultRheumatologist
Surgical Treatment
Correct joint damage, relieve pain, improve function, and restore mobility in severely affected joints.
- Synovectomy: Surgical removal of the inflamed joint lining (synovium) to reduce pain and swelling, often performed on knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
- Tendon repair: Procedures to repair damaged or ruptured tendons around the affected joints, restoring function and stability.
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis): Fusing bones across a joint, typically for smaller joints like the wrist or ankle, to stabilize the joint and relieve pain, though it eliminates joint movement.
- Total joint replacement (arthroplasty): Replacing severely damaged joints, such as hips, knees, shoulders, or elbows, with artificial prostheses to restore function and alleviate pain.
ConsultOrthopedic Surgeon
Ayurvedic Treatment
Balance doshas, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body, and strengthen joints to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease progression.
- Herbal remedies: Use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs such as Guggul (Commiphora wightii), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) to reduce pain and swelling.
- Panchakarma therapies: Detoxification procedures like Abhyanga (medicated oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam bath), and Basti (medicated enemas) to balance Vata dosha and eliminate toxins (Ama) contributing to inflammation.
- Dietary recommendations: Following a personalized diet that avoids cold, heavy, and processed foods, while emphasizing warm, easily digestible, and anti-inflammatory foods to support digestion and reduce Ama formation.
- Yoga and Pranayama: Specific yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) to improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, enhance circulation, and manage stress.
ConsultAyurvedic Practitioner
Contents
Specialists
PhysiotherapistOccupational TherapistDietitianRheumatologistOrthopedic SurgeonAyurvedic Practitioner
About This Disease
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.
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