BIOLOGIC AGENTS:
Specific white blood cell modulators: These treatments effectively control inflammation. They include:
- Orencia (abatacept) - Given under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein (intravenously) once a month. Reduces the number of T-cells (a type of white blood cell).
- Rituxan (rituximab) - Given under the skin or into a vein twice a year. Reduces the number of B-cells (a types of white blood cell).
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors: This class of medications block a protein in the body involved in creating inflammation. They are given under the skin or directly into a vein. They include:
- adalimumab (Humira)
- etanercept (Enbrel)
- infliximab (Remicade)
SURGERY
Occasionally, surgery is needed to correct severely affected joints. Surgeries can relieve joint pain, correct deformities, and modestly improve joint function.
The most successful surgeries are those performed on the knees and hips. The first surgical treatment is a synovectomy, which is the removal of the joint lining (synovium).
A later alternative is total joint replacement with a joint
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Range-of-motion exercises and individualized exercise programs prescribed by a physical therapist can delay the loss of joint function.
Joint protection techniques, heat and cold treatments, and splints or orthotic devices to support and align joints may be very helpful.
Sometimes therapists will use special machines to apply deep heat or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
Occupational therapists can construct splints for the hand and wrist, and teach how to best protect and use joints when they are affected by
Frequent rest periods between activities, as well as 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, are recommended.
Previous Section
