Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: What Works and What to Expect

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can hurt joints and overall health. The goal is simple: control inflammation, ease pain, and stop joint damage. Start early and work with your doctor—early treatment changes how RA plays out years from now.

Medications: what to expect

Most people with RA use a mix of drugs. Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) help with short-term pain. Steroid pills or injections control flares but aren’t a long-term plan because of side effects.

For long-term control, doctors prescribe DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Methotrexate is the usual first choice. Others include sulfasalazine and leflunomide. DMARDs slow or stop joint damage but take weeks to work, so be patient.

If DMARDs aren’t enough, biologic drugs are the next step. These target parts of the immune system—common types block TNF (etanercept, adalimumab) or IL-6, or use newer JAK inhibitors taken by mouth. Biologics are powerful but raise infection risk, so doctors screen for TB and hepatitis before starting and monitor you regularly.

Labs matter. Expect blood tests for liver function, blood counts, and sometimes cholesterol. If you start methotrexate, your doctor will check blood work every few weeks at first, then less often once things are stable.

Daily habits that help

Medicine is key, but daily choices make a big difference. Keep moving—gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or guided physical therapy maintains mobility and strengthens muscles around joints. Aim for consistent short sessions rather than occasional intense workouts.

Protect your joints: use tools that reduce strain, avoid gripping with bent wrists, and pace tasks to prevent flares. Heat relieves stiffness; cold helps swelling and sharp pain. Learn which works for you.

Quit smoking. Smoking reduces treatment response and increases flares. Maintain a healthy weight to cut stress on hips, knees, and ankles. A balanced diet with vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3s can support overall health—talk to your doctor before starting supplements.

Practical tips: take meds the same time daily, keep a symptom diary to spot flares, and ask about vaccines—flu and pneumococcal shots are usually recommended, but live vaccines may be avoided on some treatments.

When should you call the doctor? New fevers, sudden worsening of joint pain, or signs of infection need quick attention. If your current meds stop working or side effects appear, don’t wait—adjustments work best when done early.

RA treatment is a partnership between you and your care team. With the right drugs, monitoring, and everyday habits, many people keep active lives and protect their joints. Ask questions, track progress, and get help when you need it.