A local rheumatologist is a medical doctor who is specially trained in treating diseases of the muscles, joints and bones. If you have a condition such as arthritis or gout, you will probably work with a local rheumatologist to manage your condition. Nutrition plays a big role in managing a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, so you may also work with a local nutritionist or registered dietitian. They can help you understand the benefits of eating an anti-inflammatory diet, the connection between physical and mental health, lower cholesterol, reduce fats in your diet and more.    Trouvez des informations ou des prouveurs locaux comme un rhumatologue local à montréal et à québec

Often seeing your local family Physician is a great starting place for referrals to your local Massage Therapist or your local chiropractor to help with massage and skeletal adjustments. A local Physiotherapist or local athletic trainer can help with strength and bruised muscles. Acupuncture is often recommended for chronic pain in association with your local physiotherapist 

Other types of DMARDs include:

• Sulfasalazine
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Gold (Myochrisine)
• Leflunomide (Arava)

Rheumatologists often prescribe a triple therapy combination of Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Also known as NSAIDs, these medications reduce joint inflammation and reduce pain, but do not prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. With 20 different anti-inflammatory medications available, you can always try a different NSAID if one doesn't work for you.

Analgesic Medications

Analgesic medications are used to control pain, but they don't prevent further joint damage. Analgesics range from over-the-counter acetaminophen to stronger pain narcotics like morphine.

Corticosteroids (Prednisone)

Some patients find relief from inflammation, pain and stiffness by using prednisone. However, because it can have side effects when used long-term, doctors generally prescribe it in high doses for short periods of time.

Cortisone injections are another option for some people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Advanced Therapeutics

If your joint pain and stiffness isn't well-controlled by anti-inflammatory medications and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, your rheumatologist may prescribe advanced therapeutics.

These medications are made up of biologic medications and small molecules. They're given by an injection under the skin or by an intravenous infusion.   Trouvez des informations ou des prouveurs locaux comme un rhumatologue local à montréal et à québec

There are a number of effective Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor biologics available, including:

• Humira (adalimumab)
• Remicade/Inflectra/Remsima (infliximab)
• Cimzia (certolizumab)
• Enbrel/Brenzys/Erelzi (etanercept)
• Simponi (golimumab)

There are other biologics that target aspects of the inflammatory response, including Kevzara (sarilumab) and Actemra (tocilizumab), which block an important signalling protien involved in inflammation called Interleukin-6.

Or, you may benefit from alternative therapies such as:

• Rituxan (rituximab), which targets a marker on the surface of immune cells
• Orencia (abatacept), a medication that interrupts communication between immune cells

Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have severe rheumatoid arthritis, your joints may become so badly damaged that they no longer function. In this case, surgery may help reduce pain, restore function and improve mobility.

Surgery for RA typically involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial joint.