Which medications are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and how do they help manage the disease?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that requires long-term management to control pain, inflammation, and joint damage. The main treatments include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which help slow disease progression and prevent joint destruction, and biologic agents, which target specific immune pathways involved in inflammation. Corticosteroids may be used short-term to quickly reduce inflammation, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve pain and stiffness but do not prevent disease progression. The exact treatment plan depends on disease severity and response, so it is essential to consult a rheumatologist for personalised therapy and regular monitoring to minimise side effects and ensure optimal disease control. Self-medication should be avoided.