What are the treatments for Rheumatoid arthritis - Would they ever remove the actual bones in the ar

There are many different treatments for RA. First, they are medications called DMARDs, which modify the disease (i.e., suppress it). This includes medications like the Biologics (Enbrel, Humira, Remicade), methotrexate, Plaquenil and Arava. After that, your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatories, often called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), like Relafen, Celebrex and Mobicox. These do not modify your disease, but help keep the inflammation and pain down to a dull roar. Other painkillers range from over-the-counter Tylenol and Advil, to prescription strength Tylenol and continuing to opiates for severe pain. As well, steroids can be used - many people would RA take prednisone, which helps you feel better.

Other treatments include physiotherapy, which teaches you the kind of exercises that will help keep your joints flexible, often including swimming and occupational therapy which assists with making activities of daily living, such as dressing, cooking, etc. easier.

There are many different types of surgery that can help alleviate RA symptoms, although all being surgery, it tends to be if not a last resort, then certainly down the list after you've tried other ways of managing. Bones aren't removed without replacing them with something else, so I think you are asking about joint replacements. These happen when the joint has become so damaged and painful that it severely reduces your ability to live your life. In this case, you and your doctor may decide to sign you up for knee replacement, hip replacement, shoulder replacement, etc., and they can make a huge difference, getting you back on your feet after being it no longer be possible for you to walk, being able to comb your hair again after not being able to raise your arm and so on.

I hope that helps. Feel free to ask more questions if you need more details.