Update on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis consists of use of drugs, physical measures, social work interventions, education and reconstructive surgery. The physician plays a co-ordinating role, since most patients with significant rheumatoid arthritis will require treatment by more than one member of the health-care team. Our drug armamentarium, including anti-inflammatory agents, disease suppressants, analgesics, rarely steroids, and even more rarely immunosuppressants, can be used to good effect in suppressing the synovitis of rheumatoid arthritis and in relieving pain. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and social work interventions will help the patient to maintain function and to maintain their optimal level of fitness, including exercise tolerance, joint range, muscle strength and psycho-social function. Coping abilities can be greatly enhanced by a positive approach from the physician, and this, together with the very real benefits of the foregoing treatments, can produce a highly rewarding result for physician and patient alike, in terms of improved quality of life for the rheumatoid arthritis patient.