More than medication

Taking control

Managing any kind of arthritis is about a combination of things - taking some exercise, managing your weight, making sure you can still do the things you enjoy. Even learning about rheumatoid arthritis can help.

The next steps can help you continue to take an active role in your treatment:

• Work with Your Doctor - Talk to your doctor about changes in your pain to help him or her determine the right treatment for you. Always take your medicines as your doctor prescribes. But remember to report any changes in your health or side effects that you may experience. Your doctor needs that information to make sure that your treatment is the right one for you.

• Keep Informed - Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions about rheumatoid arthritis or your treatment. You can also use books, magazines, and online resources to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and stay up to date on new developments in medicine and treatment options.

• Consider Lifestyle Changes - In addition to a healthy diet, finding a balance between physical activities (like walking or water aerobics) and rest can help to ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Discover Arthritis-Friendly Tools - Whether it's a special trowel for the garden or a set of elastic shoelaces to make putting on shoes easier, these tools help protect your joints from painful moves and can improve your ability to perform daily tasks. They're not for everyone, but if your doctor or an occupational therapist thinks you could benefit from them, he or she will be able to help you find what's right for you.

More treatment options

Physical therapies A physiotherapist may be able to help with your pain relief using specialist equipment. Physiotherapy may improve your muscle strength and joint flexibility, too. You may also be referred to an occupational therapist or a podiatrist. Complementary therapy Some people try acupuncture or massage to help relieve the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Or you might wonder if nutritional supplements, such as chondroitin, fish oil or glucosamine will help. But there’s not much evidence from research that these will work. Surgery For some people medications do not manage to control the arthritis – if this happens with you, then you may be offered an operation on the damaged joint. Different types of surgery are available according to your particular needs:

1. Surgery on the fingers or wrist

   Inflamed joint tissue is removed or tendons or ligaments released to allow more movement.

2. Arthroscopy

   Inflamed tissue is removed from the joint through small cuts. Normally you don’t need to stay in hospital with this kind of surgery.

3. Arthroplasty

   A hip or knee joint is partly or wholly replaced in a more major operation that will need a hospital stay and a period of rehabilitation.

4. Hip or knee replacement

   The joint is removed and an artificial one put in place. This is major surgery with a hospital stay and rehabilitation is needed afterwards.