Therapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Two questions are often asked about treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: What do you use? When do you use specific measures? Because the problems differ so widely from case to case, optimal management is problem-oriented. A pyramidal plan of therapy is set forth which may help in realistic planning. At the base of the pyramid are heat, exercise, rest, salicylates and education. Depending on the severity of disease and the response to the basic program, one may or may not move up the pyramid, using steroids, orthopedic devices, gold salts, hospitalization for intensive care, and surgery.