﻿ Newly Diagnosed Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - MedicineNet

Newly Diagnosed Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

You or someone you know was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, now what? Start here to better understand RA, your treatment options, and how diet and lifestyle changes can help manage your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Understanding rheumatoid arthritis progression

Most people with rheumatoid arthritis will have some progression of the disease, but each person's case is unique. Some may have intermittent symptoms or disease-free periods. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can slow the progression of disease. Regular physical exams, lab tests, and imaging studies are helpful in managing the disease process.

Evaluating your treatment options

There are a number of effective treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment usually involves a combination plan of medications, rest, joint-strengthening exercises, joint protection, and education. Treatment is customized for each person based on disease activity, types of joints involved, general health, age, and patient occupation and lifestyle.

Lifestyle changes to manage your rheumatoid arthritis

Your doctor can help you with an exercise plan that can help preserve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles around the joints. Physical and occupational therapists can be helpful because they can offer exercise training specific for your problem. Your exercise plan will depend on your overall health, age, and the severity of your symptoms.

Why is managing my rheumatoid arthritis important?

Following your management plan for rheumatoid arthritis can help prevent complications of the disease like deformity and disability. Surgery may be needed to correct joints with severe damage. Treatments are available to both reduce the damage to your joints and the severity of your symptoms.