The treatment plan for arthritis aims to alleviate inflammation, reduce pain, and slow the progression of joint damage. Strategies combine medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, with personalized plans tailored for different types such as rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis. The goals are not only symptom control but also long-term joint function preservation and complication prevention.
The principles include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, immune modulation, and surgical evaluation. Physicians select monotherapy or combination therapy based on the cause of onset, disease stage, and overall health status. Regular follow-up and treatment adjustments are crucial for ensuring efficacy.
Medications are classified into Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), and biologics. NSAIDs work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis to reduce pain and swelling; DMARDs like methotrexate suppress abnormal immune activation to slow joint destruction.
Biologics target specific inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6) through blockade, requiring subcutaneous or intravenous injection. Physical therapy includes heat therapy, hydrotherapy, and joint mobility exercises to enhance muscle strength and joint flexibility, improving daily functional ability.
Mainly used for managing pain in autoimmune joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as degenerative osteoarthritis. DMARDs and biologics are specifically used for active arthritis, while NSAIDs are suitable for acute flare pain control.
Surgical treatment is indicated for severe joint destruction, such as joint replacement surgery. Certain biologics require specific biomarkers (e.g., anti-CCP positivity) for eligibility and must be prescribed after physician evaluation.
Oral NSAIDs are typically taken once or twice daily, but long-term use requires monitoring of gastrointestinal and renal functions. DMARDs like methotrexate are administered weekly, with folic acid supplementation to reduce side effects. Biologics are often administered via subcutaneous injection, with dosage adjusted based on body weight or disease severity.
Important Note: Biologics must be stored refrigerated, and rotating injection sites can reduce skin irritation. All medication dosages should be adjusted by physicians according to liver and kidney function; patients should not alter doses independently.
Early treatment reduces the risk of joint deformity, and combination biologic therapy can achieve clinical remission in 80% of patients. Most patients experience symptom improvement within 6-12 weeks.
NSAIDs may cause gastric ulcers, hypertension, and renal dysfunction. DMARDs may lead to elevated liver enzymes and leukopenia, requiring regular blood tests. Biologics may increase infection risk, especially reactivation of latent tuberculosis.
Serious Side Effect Warning: Biologics may trigger autoimmune disease exacerbation; if fever or unexplained infections occur, immediate discontinuation is necessary. Long-term corticosteroid use can cause osteoporosis and blood sugar abnormalities.
Contraindications include severe hepatic or renal failure, uncontrolled infections, or heart failure. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should evaluate the use of biologics carefully, as some drugs may cross the placenta or be excreted in breast milk, affecting the infant.
Patients receiving biologic therapy should first be screened for latent tuberculosis infection with skin testing and chest X-ray. Surgical contraindications include uncontrolled diabetes or coagulation disorders.
Combining biologics with NSAIDs may increase infection risk; dosage adjustments should be made after physician assessment of risks and benefits.
Clinical trials show that initial treatment with DMARDs can achieve remission standards in 60% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Combination biologic therapy over three years reduces joint destruction rates by over 40%. Physical therapy can improve daily activity in 80% of patients.
Surgical treatment has an effectiveness rate of up to 95% for severe joint destruction, but requires a recovery period of 6-12 months. Treatment outcomes depend on patient adherence, with regular medication use yielding better results.
Non-pharmacological therapies include heat therapy, ultrasound, and joint supports. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies (e.g., Thunder God Vine), can be used as adjunct therapies, but interactions should be noted. Weight management and low-impact exercises like swimming can reduce the burden on degenerative joints. Regenerative medicine, such as intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections, can temporarily improve joint lubrication but need to be repeated every six months.
It is recommended to consult a professional physician before combining treatments. For example, Chinese herbs that promote blood circulation may interact with anticoagulants, requiring dose or timing adjustments. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney functions, along with symptom tracking, can ensure safe and effective treatment.
What dietary restrictions should I observe while taking anti-inflammatory drugs?Reduce intake of high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods to prevent exacerbating inflammation. A high-salt diet may increase swelling; daily salt intake should not exceed 6 grams. Increasing consumption of deep-sea fish, leafy greens, and nuts can support anti-inflammatory effects.
How should I care for my joints after injections?Avoid hot packs or strenuous activity within 24 hours post-injection. Ice the joint for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling. For the next two weeks, engage in mild joint activities such as hydrotherapy or water exercises, and avoid lifting heavy objects or maintaining static positions for long periods to protect the injection site.
What should I do if symptoms suddenly worsen during treatment?If unexplained weight loss, persistent high fever, or joint pain significantly worse than before occurs, seek medical evaluation immediately. Adjustments to treatment should be based on blood inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and imaging findings, not solely on subjective symptoms.
How can I balance pain medication use with liver and kidney protection during long-term treatment?It is advised to perform liver and kidney function tests every 3-6 months and follow the principle of using the minimum effective dose. Physical therapy, heat therapy, and low-impact exercises like Tai Chi can help relieve pain. Increasing intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can support organ metabolism. If abnormal results are found, physicians may adjust medications or recommend short-term discontinuation.
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