How to treat internal rheumatism

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects older women. RA is characterized by intermittent swelling and pain in the joints of the extremities, accompanied by morning stiffness. The longest affected joints include the proximal interphalangeal joints of both hands, metacarpophalangeal joints, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and both foot joints. Blood tests show elevated C-reactive protein, positive rheumatoid factor, positive anti-CCP antibodies, etc. once rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, anti-inflammatory, detumescent and analgesic drugs should be given first. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are preferred, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. The most important treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is to apply immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, etc. These drugs can fundamentally control the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and inhibit bone destruction. For patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, we can apply biological agents or small molecule targeted drugs.