Optimal management of rheumatoid arthritis in West Palm Beach, FL, requires a comprehensive treatment plan. When you choose a doctor who takes a concierge medicine approach, they will create a multifaceted treatment plan that involves numerous management methods.
Physical and Occupational Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Occupational therapy and physical therapy are proven methods of helping patients decrease joint damage and pain. They can enhance patients’ strength, help them find less-painful ways to move, and teach them at-home exercises for continued improvement.
Occupational therapy focuses on restoring patients’ ability to perform everyday tasks. One aspect of this is incorporating mobility aids, braces, and splints as needed. Bathroom bars, doorknob grips, and stair railings may also be installed in the home. Along with exercise techniques, physical therapists can provide muscle stimulation and massages to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Changes in Diet
To address arthritis-related inflammation and avoid obesity, patients can benefit from diet modifications. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates and high in sugar should be reduced, along with any foods that have a lot of artificial ingredients.
Tomatoes, avocados, green leafy vegetables, and fish should be added to one’s diet, along with berries and dark chocolate. Turmeric supplements and omega-3 fish oil supplements are also often helpful.
Lifestyle Modifications for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Lifestyle changes can make a major difference when it comes to managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These can include using ice packs and heat packs, taking warm baths, making sure to always get enough sleep, avoiding smoking, staying physically active in small ways, and getting regular exercise.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Options
Medications like injectable or oral steroids, prescription or OTC NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), analgesics, and COX-2 inhibitors decrease the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Some are taken as needed, while others are necessary on a long-term basis.
Medications like DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate) also help prevent the condition from becoming more severe, preventing further joint damage.
JAK inhibitors (a non-traditional DMARD) may be used, as may various biologic response modifier (BRM) treatments. BRM treatments focus on keeping the immune system from causing new damage to the joints.
Non-Traditional Healing Therapies
Additional therapeutic options like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and biofeedback therapy can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with having rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be a big help when it comes to decreasing stress, which is an under-discussed aspect of this chronic health condition.
Surgical Procedures for Rheumatoid Arthritis
In certain cases, surgical procedures like joint replacements, arthroscopy/synovectomy to take out inflamed joint lining, and tendon repair must be performed. These invasive procedures are not usually the first choice in treatment of arthritis, but they can create long-lasting improvement.
Learn More Today
Meet with experienced physician Dr. Chauncey Crandall at The Palm Beach Clinic to learn more about how concierge medicine helps with rheumatoid arthritis in West Palm Beach, FL. Schedule your personalized and informative consultation—contact us today.