Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that tends to develop slowly while showing minor symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells in the body which can cause inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body. The symptoms of this disorder can vary from one individual to person; moreover, the severity of these symptoms can also differ with each passing day. Some of the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

• Limping
• Fatigue
• Swollen joints
• Fever
• Stiff joints
• Joint redness
• Anemia
• Tender joints
• Loss of range of motion
• Deformity of the joints
• Warmth in the joints
• Polyarthritis

Treatments
The type of medications recommended by the doctor would depend on the severity of the symptoms experienced and how long the person has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

• NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that are meant to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some of the NSAIDs commonly recommended for rheumatoid arthritis include naproxen and ibuprofen. These must be consumed as per the recommended dosage otherwise it could result in side effects such as heart problems, ringing in the ears, stomach irritations, and liver and kidney damage.
• DMARDs – This would slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and saves the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. The side effects could include bone marrow suppression, liver damage, and even severe lung infections.

Therapy
Your doctor may ask you to consult an occupational or physical therapist who would teach a few exercises that would help keep your joints flexible. The therapist would also suggest new ways to do daily tasks such as picking up an object using your forearms if your fingers are sore. Few assistive devices would also make it easier to avoid stressing your painful joints. For example, a kitchen knife that is equipped with a saw handle would help to protect your finger and wrist joints.

Surgery
If medications fail to treat and relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor may consider surgery to repair the damaged joints. Surgery would help to restore your ability to use your joints to perform daily tasks efficiently. This would also reduce pain and correct deformities. Surgery may include procedures such as the following:

• Synovectomy
• Tendon repair
• Joint fusion
• Total joint replacement

Surgeries would carry the risk of infection, bleeding, and pain. It is always good to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor beforehand.