Rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease, which mainly invades joints. If not treated regularly, it will lead to joint deformity and loss of function. Therefore, standardized treatment is very important. Early diagnosis is the key. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may not be typical, only joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness and other manifestations. Once these suspicious signs appear, they should seek medical treatment in time. Doctors will make a comprehensive judgment through detailed medical history, physical examination, blood tests (such as rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, etc.) And imaging examinations (such as X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging). Early diagnosis can win valuable time for standardized treatment. Drug therapy is the core of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which can effectively reduce joint inflammation, pain, swelling and other symptoms, but can not change the progress of the disease. Attention should be paid to adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal tract when using. Methotrexate, an antirheumatic drug, is the first choice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which can inhibit the immune response and control the development of the disease. In addition, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are also commonly used. These drugs usually require long-term use, patients should strictly follow the medical supervision, regular review of blood routine, liver and kidney function. Biologics are a new option for patients with severe illness or who do not respond well to traditional drugs. Tumor necrosis factor antagonists and other biological agents can specifically block inflammatory factors, with quick onset and good efficacy, but the price is relatively high, and the risk of infection should be paid attention to in the use process. Individualized treatment options vary from patient to patient in terms of severity of illness, response to drugs, and physical tolerance. Doctors will formulate individualized treatment plans according to the patient’s age, gender, whether there are other comorbidities and other factors. For example, for elderly patients, the dosage of drugs may need to be adjusted, and for patients with hepatic and renal insufficiency, drugs with less effect on liver and kidney should be selected. Rehabilitation treatment is indispensable. At the same time of drug treatment, rehabilitation treatment can better maintain joint function. Patients in the acute stage need to rest properly and reduce joint activities. During the remission period, joint function exercises should be actively carried out, such as making fists, extending fingers, flexing and extending wrist joints, and physical therapy can also be carried out under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists, including hot compress, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., to promote blood circulation and alleviate muscle contracture. Regular monitoring and adjustment of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is a long-term process. Patients need to go to the hospital regularly for review, and doctors should adjust the treatment plan in time according to the changes of the condition and adverse drug reactions. Only by adhering to standardized treatment can we effectively control the development of rheumatoid arthritis, improve the quality of life of patients, and enable patients to live and work normally.
