Live Life Team
When it comes to the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis for legs, there are very many options you can choose from. The following are among the most important recommendations for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis for legs based on different characteristics of patients:
Non-Drug Treatments
Exercise – Quite a number of exercises, such as aerobics, strength training, tai chi, and so on can assist in physical and pain function in this kind of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Exercises that are water-based can also improve legs functioning, but they only offer minor pain benefits.
Weight loss – Losing a moderate amount of weight reduces disability and pain according to a recently conducted review. It is recommended that in 20 weeks you should aim to lose 5% of your weight for a more effective treatment.
Acupuncture – This is a traditional form of Chinese medicine that involves insertion of sharp, thin needles at particular body points. Acupuncture has been well recognized as a standard treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis pain in the legs.
Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – acetaminophen is mostly recommended as a first-line treatment of leg pain resulting from Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, due to concerns of risks such as GI bleeding, ulcers, and loss of kidney function when used in the long term, the dose is now recommended for treatment time only. For those with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, or even GI bleeding, acetaminophen is not recommended.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – These medications include drugs such as naproxen sodium, aspirin, and ibuprofen among others, which are another alternative for pain relief. When using NSAIDs, the risk of GI effects like bleeding and ulcers are, however, higher than when acetaminophen is used. They are in addition associated with kidney damage and cardiovascular risk. Treatment duration and conservative dosing that is consistent with prescribing limits are recommended. For patients who are at high risk of getting GI side effects, it is recommended that they should add a drug for protecting the stomach known as Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) when on NSAIDs dosage. However, those with high-risk side effects such as GI bleeding and cardiovascular disease are advised not to constantly use NSAIDs.
Surgery
Joint Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement – Joint Lavage is the flushing of the leg joint using a saline solution that is sterile, while Arthroscopic Debridement involves surgically removing fragments of tissue from the leg joint.
Osteotomy and Joint-Preserving Surgery – For young and active people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis for legs, Osteotomy is a perfect option. It involves cutting of bones and realigning them to improve the alignment of joints. This could delay the need for replacing joints. Based on a recent study, it has been proved to improve function and reduce pain as well.
Supplements
Avocado Soybean Unsaponfiables – This extract that is made from mixing soybean oils and avocado. It acts by blocking pro-inflammatory chemicals and enhances the regeneration of normal connective tissues. This mixture also assists in reducing pain in patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis for legs.
