While there is currently no known medical cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are many effective treatments. For many Singapore patients, their rheumatoid arthritis clinic doctors will likely prescribe rest and medications for a short period of time. Medications with the lowest risk of side effects should generally be used first. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce pain and swelling. While they tend to be one of the safer choices, long term use can cause cardiac, kidney, liver and gastric bleeding problems. Oral steroids are another option used to reduce inflammation. However long term use can cause thinning of the bones, weight gain and diabetes.
DMARDS,
are a group of medications known as disease modifying anti - rheumatic drugs which can slow the progression rheumatoid arthritis but are associated with potentially severe side effects such as liver damage,
bone marrow suppression and lung infections.A newer class of medications are known as Biologics.They are biological response modifiers which can target parts of the immune system causing inflammation but also increase the risk of infections.
Physiotherapy is another well accepted option.Using techniques such as manual therapy,
stretches and muscle strengthening exercises,
it can have a good result in many patients.Physiotherapy can strengthen muscular support,
reduce pain and inflammation and increase overall joint
function when properly applied.Unfortunately many patients face difficulty getting the regular appointments and the personalized attention of a physiotherapist needed to achieve good results.