RA begins slowly, with subtle symptoms, and can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms vary in severity in the affected joints and organs. Skill and experience are needed to reach a diagnosis and to decide the most appropriate treatment. Therapy for OA aims to relieve pain and improve joint function. Medication usually begins with analgesics, such as acetaminophen, and may progress to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
Corticosteroid injections can be helpful.
Surgery is sometimes necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. Although there is no cure for RA, treatment has improved dramatically over the last 25 years. Many patients are relieved of their symptoms and continue to function at nearly normal levels. In treating RA, the goal is to maintain the patient's mobility and quality of life. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment before functional problems and irreversible joint damage occur are extremely important.