RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: CARE AND TREATMENT

Treatment

In recent years, the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has undergone an important evolution allowing excellent results to be obtained.

Pharmacological treatment involves the use of so-called DMARDs (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs), ie drugs that are capable of modifying the course of the disease, among these the most widely used in the world is methotrexte. If the patient does not have a good response to this therapy or is intolerant, the so-called biological drugs (present in Italy since the late 90s) can be used. Recently it has also been possible to use a new category of drugs, the so-called Jak inhibitors. Let's not forget the important function of cortisone which, with its anti-inflammatory action, is of great help in the treatment of these patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids for pain management are also often used. be careful about the use of these products for their side effects and therefore always share the decision with your rheumatologist.

But first of all it is essential to share the treatment with the patient, so there must be "excellent communication between the doctor and the patient. The knowledge of the patient's physical conditions allows better management of the disease; through correct information the subject acquires, for example, the awareness of avoiding physical exertion or particular movements that could further damage the joints affected by the disease; also important is the use of assistive devices for housework and travel on foot or by car in the most advanced cases.

Certainly an important role is that of physiotherapy which, through an appropriate rehabilitation process, allows a good maintenance of the general physical condition (active exercises that require an important muscular effort are useful to prevent the loss of muscle strength, mobility and with them balance deficits. ; obviously the diseased joints do not tolerate heavy weights and must therefore be treated with the appropriate precautions). Physical activities have shown favorable effects and should therefore be encouraged. If the movement causes significant stresses on the diseased joint, the use of a brace can help.

Surgery, in the worst cases, is necessary to correct severe joint changes and reduce pain; sometimes it is resorted to the "implantation of joint prostheses.