Symptom Finder - Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
1. In early stages or when diagnosis is unclear, a NSAID such as naproxen (Naprosyn) 500 mg bid–tid may be sufficient. Other NSAIDs may be used
2. Once diagnosis is firmly established, consult a rheumatologist for disease modifying drug therapy such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, etc.
3. Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids such as, methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) 20–80 mg with 3–5 cc of lidocaine 1–2% may be used for single joint involvement if infectious arthritis has been ruled out.
1. In early stages or when diagnosis is unclear, a NSAID such as naproxen (Naprosyn) 500 mg bid–tid may be sufficient. Other NSAIDs may be used
2. Once diagnosis is firmly established, consult a rheumatologist for disease modifying drug therapy such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, etc.
3. Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids such as, methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) 20–80 mg with 3–5 cc of lidocaine 1–2% may be used for single joint involvement if infectious arthritis has been ruled out.
