Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

For those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, it can be a terribly debilitating condition.  In some cases, the severity of this medical condition affects some more than others.

Though there continues to be advances in the treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis, some of the mainstay treatment remains unchanged.

Here's a review of the common treatment options for those with rheumatoid arthritis:

treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis

Evaluation of night-time splints in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common and debilitating condition for which there are no ideal treatment options. For those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a recent study published in the Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine (Silva et al, 2008), studied the effectiveness of night-time hand positioning splints in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

"OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a night-time hand positioning splint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS: The groups were homogenous for all parameters at baseline. Pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, DASH score, grip strength and pinch strength were significantly different between groups over time and satisfaction with the splint was reported as "better" and "much better" by most participants.

CONCLUSION:  

"The use of a night-time hand positioning splint reduces pain, improves grip and pinch strength, upper limb function and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis."

Reference:

Silva AC, Jones A, Silva PG, Natour J. Effectiveness of a night-time hand positioning splint in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med. 2008 Oct;40(9):749-54.

Related blog posts on rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Glucosamine in rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Cod liver oil (omega-3 fatty acids) in rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Ganoderma lucidum (Linzhi) in rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis.
   

Glucosamine decreases pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease is a very common condition that our risk of developing increases as we age. Essentially, OA is characterized by ‘wear and tear’ on our joints which occurs as our cartilage begins to wear down.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the joints. Though RA is more common in women, it affects approximately 1% of the population.

Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements used by people who suffer from arthritis. However, it’s intended use is primarily for people who suffer from osteoarthritis as opposed to rheumatoid arthritis.

The results of a recent study published in the medical journal, Rheumatology International, suggest that glucosamine supplementation may improve symptomatic pain in patients with RA. However, the study authors noted that glucosamine did not have a specific antirheumatic effect.

If you are among the 1% of the population who suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, it may be worthwhile to try supplementation with glucosamine. The dosage used in this particular study was 1500mg per day.

Reference:



Nakamura H, Masuko K, Yudoh K, Kato T, Kamada T, Kawahara T. Effects of glucosamine administration on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2007 Jan;27(3):213-8. Epub 2006 Sep 5

Safety and efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) and San Miao San supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis:

"Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, which in Chinese means herb of spiritual potency, is one form of the mushroom Ganoderma lucida, which has been used to treat all forms of ailments, and is the oldest mushroom known to have been used in ancient Chinese medicine. Lingzhi allegedly has multiple health benefits for a broad range of conditions from arthritis to cancers, and has therefore attained an unparalleled reputation in the East as the ultimate herbal substance" (Edmund et al, 2007).

"Nonetheless, the significant lowering of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 in patients seen after treatment ([36]) and the analgesic properties without any demonstrable adverse side effects are noteworthy and deserve further study" (Edmund et al, 2007).


Edmund K. Li 1 *, Lai-Shan Tam 1, Chun Kwok Wong 1, Wai Ching Li 1, Christopher W. K. Lam 1, Sissi Wachtel-Galor 2, Iris F. F. Benzie 3, Yi Xi Bao 3, Ping Chung Leung 4, Brian Tomlinson. Arthritis & Rheumatism. Safety and efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) and San Miao San supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

Effect of Mindfulness-Based stress reduction in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

"At 6 months, there was significant improvement in psychological distress and well-being (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively), and marginally significant improvement in depressive symptoms and mindfulness (P = 0.08 and P = 0.09, respectively)" (Pradhan et al, 2007).

"Mindfulness meditation may complement medical disease management by improving psychological distress and strengthening well-being in patients with RA" Pradhan et al, 2007).

Pradhan EK, Baumgarten M, Langenberg P, Handwerger B, Gilpin AK, Magyari T, Hochberg MC, Berman BM. Effect of Mindfulness-Based stress reduction in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Arthritis Rheum.  2007 Sep 28;57(7):1134-1142.