Rheumatoid arthritis
About Rheumatoid arthritis
A kind of arthritis caused by an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and swelling in joints, but can also cause a variety of other symptoms. The disorder causes swelling and damage to the lining of the joints (synovium) producing the joint pain and joint destruction experienced. It occurs between the ages 20 and 60 and is 3 times more common in women than men.Symptoms
Fatigue, morning stiffness (lasting more than 1 hour), widespread muscle aches, loss of appetite, weakness, deformity of joints (primarily of the hands).Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays can be helpful. A specific blood test, anti-CCP antibody test, can distinguish most cases of rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Other tests that may be helpful include: C-reactive protein, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), rheumatoid factor test (positive in about 75% of people with symptoms), and joint fluid analysis.OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
- Leflunomide
- Prednisone
- Cyclosporine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Meloxicam
- Anakinra
- Etanercept Injection
- Adalimumab Injection
- Infliximab Injection
- Abatacept Injection
- Rituximab Injection
- Golimumab Injection
- Fenoprofen
- Indomethacin
- Tolmetin
- Sulindac
- Methotrexate
- Azathioprine
- Sulfasalazine
- Meclofenamate
- Salsalate
- Diflunisal
- Piroxicam
- Auranofin
- Ketoprofen
- Flurbiprofen
- Diclofenac
- Etodolac
- Nabumetone
- Oxaprozin
- Diclofenac and Misoprostol
- Celecoxib
- Thalidomide
Conventional treatment summary
This is a life-long illness. Treatment is directed at controlling the symptoms and slowing down the joint damage. Treatment includes: medications, physical therapy, and exercise. The medications used include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), steroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil, the gold compound auranofin/Ridaura, sulfasalazine/Azulfidine, minocycline/Dynacin, methotrexate/Rheumatrex), immunosuppressant's (leflunomide/Arava, azathioprine/Imuran, cyclosporine/Neoral, cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan, rituximab/Rituxan), TNF-alpha inhibitors (etanercept/Enbrel, infliximab/Remicade, adalimumab/Humira), and other immune modulators. Surgery may be required for severe joint destruction. Arthritis Foundation: (800)283-7800Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Rheumatology · Pediatrics · Family Practice
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis.