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Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is treated with lifestyle changes and medicine. Surgery may be needed when these do not help. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

It is treated with:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Surgery

Alternative and complementary therapies

Other treatments

References

  • Aletaha D, Smolen JS. Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review. JAMA. 2018 Oct 2;320(13);1360-1372.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis. January 27, 2020.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/joint-disorders/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra. Updated December 2018. Accessed January 27, 2020.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp. Updated September 2019. Accessed January 27, 2020.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra. Updated May 22, 2019. Accessed January 27, 2020.

Contributors

  • Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated:
2019-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.