介绍

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. It causes your body’s immune system to attack the cells that line your joints. Your joints become stiff, swollen, and painful. If you don’t keep the inflammation under control, you may develop deformities.

RA can be progressive. This means it can get worse over time. Joint damage occurs when the inflamed joint lining cells damage the bone. Inflammation can also make the tendons around the joints weak. There’s no cure for RA, but treatments can ease symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse. Here are some questions and topics to talk about with your doctor so they can help make your treatment as effective as possible.

为什么RA受伤？

The inflammation from RA causes painful swelling. Nodules can form at pressure points, such as your elbows. These can occur almost anywhere on your body. These nodules can become tender and painful.

我的治疗疼痛的医疗选择是什么？

Your doctor will go over several strategies for managing your pain. These include prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as other medical treatments. All of these medications have their own set of side effects. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits.

解救痛苦的人

您可能已经有非甾体类抗炎药物或NSAIDS，或NSAIDS，在您的药物柜中。这些药物包括像布洛芬（Motrin或Advil）和萘普生（Aleve）这样的常见的逆痛止痛药。这些药物适合缓解疼痛和炎症。

乙酰氨基酚（Tylenol）也可用于缓解疼痛，但它不会有助于炎症。它可以单独使用或与NSAID组合使用。

DMARDS和生物学

Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) work by reducing the inflammation that can cause pain. These drugs actually slow the progression of RA and can prevent permanent damage. Biologic drugs specifically target the cells of the immune system and pro-inflammatory molecules involved in inflammation.

Learn more: Rheumatoid arthritis DMARDs list »

皮质类固醇注射

Corticosteroids can be injected directly into the joint. They can relieve pain and inflammation for weeks at a time. Trigger point injections involve injecting a numbing medication into your muscle. They may help with RA-related muscle pain.

替代治疗方法

您的医生可以将您推荐给专门从事替代治疗方案的从业者。替代治疗包括按摩，针灸或局部电神经刺激。向您的医生询问替代治疗中涉及的任何风险。还询问您可能期望治疗的结果。

我能做些什么在我的日常生活来帮助管理pain?

While medications are often the first line of treatment for RA, there are also things you can do at home to help ease your pain and symptoms. Sometimes, simple changes to your routine can make a big difference in your pain level.

Changing your household gadgets can make daily activities easier on your hands. For example, lever door handles and electric can openers are easier than door knobs and manual can openers. Ask your doctor about other gadgets and tools that can make daily tasks easier for you.

诸如手杖或步行者之类的辅助装置可以减轻下半身关节的重量和应力。问你的医生如果其中一个是你的生活方式的好选择。

Try rearranging your cabinets and closets. Putting the items that you use most within easy reach means you can get to them without stooping or straining. You can also try changing your schedule. Take advantage of the times of day you feel best and get things done during those times. Take naps during the day to help you avoid fatigue.

Talk with your doctor about what else you can do at home to help manage your pain.

How should I exercise?

您可能知道过度活动任何活动都可以使关节柔软和疼痛。然而，学习坐着或躺着长时间仍然可以使关节更加僵硬和痛苦，这可能是一个惊喜。向您的医生询问您对您的锻炼类型是什么。还询问他们对您的RA最有效的健身形式最有效。

In general, low-impact or no-impact exercises are good choices for strengthening muscles and loosening joints. Water aerobics and swimming are good options. Look up if there are exercises classes in your area. If not, ask your doctor how you can exercise at home. Gentle stretching may also aid in pain relief. As a bonus, you may even lose some weight. Weight loss could make a big difference in the amount of stress on your joints and could help ease your pain.

痛苦可以是RA的一部分，但这并不意味着它必须控制你的生活。想想您可以更轻松地使日常任务的其他方式。不要害怕问你的医生问题如何如何管理你的痛苦并保持你的生活质量。两种药物和生活方式的变化可能有助于保持ra症状检查。