Therapy is tailored to the severity of the disease and involves a combination of medication, rest, physiotherapy and knowing how to protect the joints. REST is one of the best way to treat the inflamed joint and reduce fatigue. Splints may be used to restrict movement to rest the joint and prevent joint deformity. However too much rest may allow the joint to stiffen and the surrounding muscles to be weak. Therefore, once the inflammation has subsided, mobilisation of the joint and physiotherapy may be required.
Many patients are afraid about taking drugs because of the possible side effects.
Whilst the drugs may have occasional side effects, for most patients the benefits of the drugs far weigh the potential risks and they provide a great relief to many sufferers. Anti-inflammatory drugs have more immediate effect and reduces the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with the arthritis within hours and days. Disease-modifying drugs are used to control the arthritis and hopefully prevent the disease from progressing. There are many drugs in this group such as methotrexate, gold, sulphasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine and penicillamine. However the arthritis may flare if the drug is stopped and patients are usually required to take it on a long term basis.