Management (Treatment) of Rheumatoid Arthritis
This article is the third in a series of articles that aim to simplify the confusing world of living with arthritis. The first article in the series explains the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis and the second article discusses the functional implications of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the hands.
The best way to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is by following an integrated (different parts working together) treatment plan.
The goals of rheumatoid arthritis treatment are to:
- Control a person’s signs and symptoms,
- Prevent joint damage,
- Maintain the person’s quality of life and ability to function.
As mentioned in the second article in this series, it is important to have RA diagnosed (identified by a doctor) early on (as soon as possible!) because joint damage generally occurs in the first two years of RA onset (the start of). I cannot stress this enough. The beginning two years can be seen as “the window of opportunity)” with regards to treatment to prevent severe long-term consequences.
There is no “cure” (permanent solution) for RA. This is unfortunate, I know, but RA can be managed. A person’s management plan may include medication, occupational therapy and even surgery. Factors that will influence a person’s management plan include how old you are if you have co-morbidities (other health conditions) and what stage of RA you are experiencing.
Occupational therapy for RA may consist of the following:
- Rest
- Exercise
- Functional adaptation (changing how you use your hands)
- Splinting
- Sonar, hot & cold therapy, paraffin wax baths
- Addressing the psychological aspect of living with RA for instance relaxation therapy & mindfulness
When you consult your Occupational Therapist she/he will assess you and construct a personal treatment plan that fits your individual case and is unique to your specific situation. It is beneficial to keep in mind that you do not need a referral from a doctor to go see an occupational therapist.
The occupational therapist will advise you to protect your joints by following joint protection principles based on the fundamentals of hand therapy.
There are six basic rules for protecting your joints and in this blog, the first rule will be given:
- Respect Pain
• Stop doing an activity before you start to experience discomfort.
- It is important to take notice of pain and use it as a warning sign. Pushing yourself to complete a task can cause more pain the next day.
- Pace yourself. This allows you to keep doing activities you enjoy, rather than having to give them up.
- Work out your pain threshold (the point when you start to experience pain). How long can you do an activity before you feel pain?
• Avoid or do less of the activities that cause pain that lasts for more than 1 – 2 hours.
- Change activities or take a break before you get discomfort rather than getting to this point before stopping. For example, if you experience pain after doing something for 5 minutes, try to rather take a break after 3 minutes.
• Wear splints to help support and rest painful joints.
In the next blog the second basic rule for protecting your hands will be given. Share these blogs with your family and friends who have been diagnosed with RA.
Chanel McCabe