Examination of fluid from the joint will also provide the diagnosis. Self-care action plan Rheumatoid arthritis and other immunological forms of arthritis cannot be prevented but their effects can be minimised by keeping as fit as possible. Gout cannot usually be prevented unless it results from treatment of a medical condition with a gout-causing medication. They need to be taken every day for life if the arthritis is severe and in this situation surgery may be considered. Rheumatoid arthritis is also treated with medicines that act against the effects of the immune system but these medicines can have serious side effects and then have to be stopped.
Infectious arthritis is treated with antibiotics and gout is treated with anti-gout medicines.
Various exercise and relaxation-based complementary therapies may prove helpful for arthritis. These include the Alexander technique, massage, aromatherapy and yoga, although care must be taken with all these that inflamed joints are not involved. Acupuncture may help reduce pain but it is not clear how. This can lead to a complete recovery from the symptoms and full mobility. Fuses the joint together permanently.