Common medications that control both pain and inflammation are aspirin and other anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Steroids are also sometimes used. It may be necessary to inject medication directly into the joint. These medications must be used with caution because of potential gastrointestinal, kidney, and heart complications, as well as other side effects. Medication for rheumatoid arthritis should be taken only after consulting with your doctor.
Physical therapy helps restore use of affected joints and muscles.
Occupational therapy teaches you how to overcome the disability and manage everyday tasks. You may wear splints to rest inflamed joints and to prevent them from becoming deformed. Sometimes severely damaged hips and knees are surgically replaced. You may have just one attack of rheumatoid arthritis in your life. The flare-ups will vary in length and may last weeks.