Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early and personalized rheumatoid arthritis treatment has been shown to significantly reduce joint damage and improve quality of life. Starting treatment at an early stage can lead to remission in 34% of patients, according to the DAS28 criteria. [1]

This guide outlines the full spectrum of RA treatment options, from early diagnosis to advanced care and self-management.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis early begins with a combination of symptoms, blood work, and imaging.

The most common tools include:

• Rheumatoid factor blood test and anti-CCP antibodies to detect autoimmune activity
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to evaluate inflammation
• X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to assess joint damage [2]

These tests help confirm the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and rule out other conditions like osteoarthritis or lupus.

What is the first thing to do when you have rheumatoid arthritis?

If you suspect RA, see a rheumatoid arthritis specialist (rheumatologist) promptly. Early diagnosis leads to more effective RA treatment options, potentially preventing permanent joint damage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

RA management isn’t a single-pill solution. Instead, it’s a personalized plan that often includes medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Finding the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis depends on your stage, symptoms, and overall health.

Moore MyoWorx’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Moore MyoWorx offers a neuromuscular-based approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Our therapy targets muscle tension, posture imbalances, and movement restrictions that may aggravate joint inflammation. Through a combination of neuromuscular therapy and guided rehabilitation exercises, we help restore balanced movement and reduce stress on joints.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often experience secondary muscular issues due to altered movement patterns. Moore MyoWorx’s therapy is designed to retrain these patterns and support long-term relief. This integrative approach enhances mobility, reduces discomfort, and supports ongoing recovery alongside conventional rheumatoid arthritis medications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

A wide range of rheumatoid arthritis medications is available to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression.

• NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, provide short-term pain relief but don’t alter the course of the disease.
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, work quickly to suppress inflammation but are often used short-term due to side effects.
• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs), like methotrexate, are foundational medications that modify the disease process itself.
• Biologics, including adalimumab and etanercept, are advanced treatments targeting specific immune pathways to block inflammation at the cellular level.
• JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, offer oral alternatives to biologics and are useful for patients not responding to other medications. [3]

Choosing the safest drug for rheumatoid arthritis depends on disease severity and patient tolerance. Your rheumatoid arthritis doctor will monitor labs and symptoms to adjust medications as needed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgery

In cases where joint damage becomes severe or unresponsive to medication and therapy, rheumatoid arthritis surgery may be necessary. Surgery aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.

• Joint replacement is one of the most common procedures, often involving the hips, knees, or shoulders. This involves replacing damaged cartilage and bone with prosthetic components that allow smoother, pain-free movement.
• A synovectomy may be performed to remove inflamed synovial tissue surrounding the joint, reducing pain and preventing further damage. [4]
• Tendon repair surgery is also an option if RA has caused tendon rupture or misalignment, especially in the hands and feet. [9]

These rheumatoid arthritis medical procedures are typically recommended in advanced cases where joint preservation is no longer feasible.

Natural Remedies and Self-Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Self-management plays a big role in reducing RA’s daily impact.

Rheumatoid arthritis self-care strategies include:

• Gentle stretching to improve mobility and reduce stiffness
• Walking, swimming, or cycling to maintain joint function
• Heat therapy for relaxation; cold packs for inflammation
• Prioritizing rest during flares

A healthy rheumatoid arthritis diet should include:

• Anti-inflammatory foods: berries, leafy greens, turmeric, fatty fish
• Omega-3 supplements
• Limited red meat and processed sugar
• Staying hydrated and limiting alcohol [5]

These practices are not a rheumatoid arthritis cure, but they help manage pain and preserve function.

What is the best exercise to reduce inflammation? 

Low-impact, aerobic exercises, like swimming and yoga, help reduce inflammation and maintain cardiovascular health.

How to Cure Rheumatoid Arthritis Permanently?

Currently, there is no proven rheumatoid arthritis cure. Many online claims about how to cure rheumatoid arthritis permanently are unproven or anecdotal. However, long-term remission is possible with consistent medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies.

Can You Stop Rheumatoid Arthritis from Progressing?

Early and aggressive RA treatment options can significantly slow disease progression. The goal is to minimize joint erosion, reduce flare frequency, and improve quality of life. Lifestyle changes and consistent treatment plans make a measurable difference.

What Triggers Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups can be triggered by both internal and external factors. While the underlying cause is an autoimmune dysfunction, various elements can increase symptom severity or frequency.

Internal triggers include hormonal changes, stress, and infections. Periods of emotional or physical stress can elevate inflammatory responses. Infections—particularly viral or respiratory—can also initiate or exacerbate flares.

External triggers relate to diet, environment, and lifestyle habits.

Common dietary triggers include:

• Processed sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Saturated and trans fats (often found in fried foods)
• Excessive alcohol, which disrupts immune balance and medication efficacy [5][10]

Environmental triggers involve:

• Pollution or exposure to certain chemicals
• Cold or damp weather, which may intensify joint stiffness 

Lifestyle-related activities that worsen RA symptoms:

• Repetitive strain from typing, lifting, or poor posture
• Jobs involving manual labor without ergonomic support
• Sleep disturbances or irregular schedules
• Smoking, a known pro-inflammatory habit linked to increased RA risk [6]

Avoiding these triggers helps in rheumatism treatment and reduces symptom severity.

How to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

While genetics plays a role, rheumatoid arthritis prevention focuses on reducing risk factors. Tips on how to prevent rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Avoid smoking, a known RA risk factor
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
• Manage stress through mindfulness and sleep hygiene [7]

These strategies do not completely stop RA, but can delay its onset and reduce its severity.

Preparing for a Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctor Visit

Preparing for a rheumatoid arthritis doctor visit is key to getting the most out of your care.

Before your appointment:

• Track your symptoms, including when they flare up and what seems to trigger them.
• Make a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking.
• Record how RA affects your daily activities, sleep, and emotional well-being. [8]

During the visit, ask your rheumatoid arthritis doctor about:

• Your treatment options, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes
• Possible side effects and monitoring plans for medications
• Tests needed for diagnosis or to monitor disease progression
• Signs of worsening RA or medication complications to watch for

Clear communication helps your doctor tailor the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to your specific needs.

Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Living with rheumatoid arthritis involves adjusting to both physical limitations and emotional challenges. Because RA is a chronic condition, long-term strategies are essential to maintain independence and quality of life.

Patients should prepare for lifestyle adaptations, such as pacing activities to avoid overexertion or using assistive devices during flares. Workplaces may require ergonomic accommodations, and home environments might need modifications to reduce joint stress.

Planning ahead for medical appointments, tracking symptoms consistently, and sticking to a well-balanced routine of rheumatoid arthritis self-care, medication, and physical therapy all help manage the condition. Social support—whether through counseling, peer groups, or online communities—can ease isolation and encourage adherence to treatment.

If you’re navigating RA, don’t do it alone. Consult a rheumatoid arthritis specialist, explore RA treatment options, and stay consistent with your medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Managing this condition is possible, and your path to relief can start today.