Are your joints stiff in the morning or swollen more days than not? That could be rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment aims to stop inflammation, protect your joints, and keep you moving. You’ll usually combine medicine with simple daily habits—and a good doctor will tailor the plan to you.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) ease pain and stiffness fast, but they don’t stop joint damage. Steroid pills or injections calm flares quickly, often used short-term while stronger drugs start working. The core long-term drugs are DMARDs—disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Methotrexate is the most common DMARD; it may take 6–12 weeks to show effect and needs regular blood tests.
If DMARDs don’t control disease enough, biologics and targeted therapies are next. Biologics (TNF blockers like etanercept or adalimumab) target parts of the immune system that drive inflammation. JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib) are oral options that work differently. These drugs work well but raise infection risk, so doctors screen for TB and monitor labs before and during treatment.
Treatment choice depends on how active the disease is, how many joints are involved, other health issues, and whether you plan a pregnancy. The goal is low disease activity or remission. Doctors start with a DMARD early—early control lowers the chance of permanent joint damage. If the first DMARD doesn’t do enough, combinations or switching to a biologic or JAK inhibitor are common next steps.
Expect regular check-ups and blood tests. You may need liver, kidney, and blood-count monitoring, and your doctor will watch for infections. Vaccines (flu, pneumonia, shingles) are usually recommended before starting strong immune-suppressing drugs. Talk to your clinician about timing and which vaccines are safe with your meds.
Beyond drugs, physical therapy keeps joints flexible and muscles strong. Low-impact exercise—walking, swimming, gentle yoga—helps pain and function. Weight control reduces joint stress. Heat, cold packs, and simple stretching can ease daily symptoms; check our stretching article for joint-friendly routines.
Some people ask about supplements or herbs. If you try one, tell your doctor—some supplements interact with RA meds or affect lab tests. Smoking makes RA worse and lowers drug response, so quitting improves outcomes.
If you’re worried about side effects, ask about risks and what to watch for: fevers, persistent cough, unusual bruising, or sudden shortness of breath need quick attention. If pregnancy is planned, review medication safety early—some RA drugs should be stopped or switched well before conception.
Want next steps? Start by getting a clear diagnosis from a rheumatologist, ask for a written treatment plan with goals and timelines, and schedule follow-ups. With the right medicines and daily habits, many people with RA keep working, stay active, and cut flare-ups down to size.
Apr, 20 2025