About this topic
Rheumatoid arthritis is also called RA. It is a long-term illness. You have problems with swelling in the lining of your joints. This causes pain, stiffness, and problems moving. RA is caused by your own body attacking the joints. Doctors dont know what causes the attacks. It can cause bone and joint damage after some time. ‚
Treatment includes drugs and therapy. Surgery may be needed if the bones and joints have been badly damaged. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may tell you to use crutches or a cane if your legs or knees are affected.
- If the pain is severe, your doctor may inject a drug into the affected joint to treat the swelling. Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours. You may feel the effect of the drug after 1 to 7 days.
- Your doctor may tell you to use ice or heat to help with pain.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- You may wrap the swollen part to help with swelling. You may use an elastic bandage.
- Rest the painful part. Avoid any activity that makes the pain worse.
- Prop the affected part on 2 to 3 pillows when you rest. This may help lessen the swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may also need to see:
- A physical therapist (PT). The PT will suggest an exercise program to keep joints flexible.
- An occupational therapist (OT). The OT will help you with new ways to take care of yourself and how to do your daily activities easier.
- A mental health therapist. They will help you adjust to the changes in your life while dealing with your injury. They will also help you with low mood.
- A dietitian. This person will help you with special dietary needs or restrictions specific to your injury.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
- When your joints are swollen and sore, you may want to do only limited activities. You need to rest and avoid overusing the affected area.
- When you are feeling better, it is important to stay active. Talk to your doctor about the best kind of activities for you.
- You may have problems holding or grasping things if your hands or fingers are affected.
- Walking or running may be hard if your legs, knees, hip, or feet are affected.
What problems could happen?
- Signs of RA can return
- Damage to the bones and joints
- Weaker bones
- Heart problems
- Lung problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are still no known ways to prevent this health problem. Early treatment may help lower more joint problems. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Swelling gets worse
- Pain is very bad and is not relieved by the drugs given to you
- Breathing problems
- Heartbeat feels too fast
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more swelling or my pain is very bad.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Rheumatology ‚
http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/ra.asp ‚
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/rheumatoid-arthritis/ ‚
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/rheumatoidarthritis/whatisrheumatoidarthritis/01.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Rheumatoid-arthritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚