What are the treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition in which the immune system can affect the lining of joints. Care is planned around inflammation, pain, stiffness, fatigue, joint protection and everyday function. A rheumatology assessment helps confirm the diagnosis and choose medicines that target the disease process; anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain and swelling but should be selected with medical guidance.

Physiotherapy supports mobility, muscle strength, balance and pacing. Hand therapy can protect painful finger or wrist joints, improve useful movement and suggest splints or adapted tools. If a severely damaged joint causes persistent disability, reconstructive options such as joint fusion surgery may be discussed after non-surgical care is reviewed.

Keep scheduled medical reviews, report new swelling or medication effects, and balance gentle movement with rest during flares. A therapist can tailor strengthening and joint-protection strategies to your hands, feet, knees or other affected joints. Learn more about [Rheumatoid Arthritis](/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/) and [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/).

Use pacing: alternate demanding tasks with lighter ones, avoid gripping or lifting through a hot swollen joint, and ask about [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/) or [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/). Do not stop prescribed disease treatment without discussing it with the prescribing clinician.

Contact your care team when joint swelling, morning stiffness, fatigue or pain is becoming harder to control, or when treatment causes concerning effects. Seek urgent care for a hot swollen joint with fever, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, new weakness, or a serious allergic reaction.

Ask what the treatment is intended to change, how disease activity will be monitored, which exercises are suitable during a flare, and how to protect vulnerable hand joints. If surgery is mentioned, ask what function it may improve and what movement would remain afterward.