Contents:
- Medical Video: What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Is it possible for rheumatic diseases to be completely cured?
- So, what are the treatments that can be done for rheumatism?
Medical Video: What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatism in medical language called rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. This disease is an autoimmune disease that should not be underestimated. Therefore, there are various types of treatment that can be chosen to relieve symptoms. However, does this guarantee that rheumatic diseases can be completely cured? Here's the explanation.
Is it possible for rheumatic diseases to be completely cured?
Rheumatism occurs when the body's immune system, which is supposed to play a role in protecting the disease, actually attacks the healthy joint area. This is what is known as an autoimmune disease. As a result, inflammation will arise which makes the joints become stiff, painful, until swollen.
In more serious cases, rheumatism can also cause problems in other tissues and organs, including the nerves, blood vessels, brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system.
Until now, there are indeed various types of treatment which are believed to be able to relieve rheumatic symptoms. Unfortunately, further research is still needed to find a panacea so that rheumatism can be completely cured. This is reinforced by a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that there is no drug that is truly suitable for treating arthritis due to rheumatism.
Even so, early diagnosis and proper treatment are important to prevent pain and joint damage from getting worse.
A rheumatologist and specialist in internal medicine from the United States, Dr. Scott J. Zashin said that the drugs and treatments that are appropriate in fact can affect the development of rheumatic diseases in the body. In a sense, a diagnosis that is quickly accompanied by proper treatment of rheumatism will increasingly allow rheumatic sufferers to enter the remission phase.
Remission is a term when signs of rheumatic disease disappear partially or completely. Patients who have been at this stage can continue treatment or stop partially.
In essence, rheumatic disease can not be cured one hundred percent. However, this disease can still be controlled to improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. That way, joint function can be maintained so as to minimize damage to the joints and organs.
So, what are the treatments that can be done for rheumatism?
As explained earlier, although there is no treatment that really promises rheumatism can be completely cured, but at least the current treatments are still able to control the development of rheumatic diseases in the body.
You will be advised by your doctor to take medication, depending on the symptoms and the severity of rheumatic disease. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, the type of drug in question is:
- Nonsteroidal pain relievers (NSAIDs). The goal is to relieve pain and inflammation due to rheumatism.
- Steroids. This drug is believed to reduce inflammation while slowing damage to the joints. Generally, steroid drugs will be given if the symptoms of rheumatism are acute.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). These drugs include methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, Rasuvo), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Play a role in inhibiting the development of rheumatism and maintaining other joints and tissues from permanent damage.
- Biologic agents.Usually known as a biological response modifying drug or biological DMRAD. This procedure only works in areas that have inflammation, not blocking the entire immune system.
In addition, your doctor will also advise you to do physical therapy to help relax stiff joints.
However, if treatment and medication are deemed insufficient to control the development of rheumatism, the next step a doctor may take is to have a surgical operation. Surgery aims to repair damaged joints so that they can be reused optimally.
Well, that does not mean you only rely on a number of ways only. It is also important to adopt a healthy lifestyle with moderate exercise, adequate rest, to eat regularly to improve the quality of your life.
