Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disorder characterized by
inflammation of the synovial membrane of peripheral joints, which may lead to
progressive functional impairment. The small joints of hands and feet commonly
involved in RA often irregularly cause pain, stiffness, and malfunction of the joints.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to mitigate
pain and inflammation, restore joint functions, and maintain day-to-day operations. In
realistic terms, inhibition of inflammation is the target of intensive therapy. This could
be frequently achieved with two main classes of medications, namely non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
(DMARDs). NSAIDs and glucocorticoids are suggested for use in the preliminary
stages of RA for short-term and symptomatic pain relief. Glucocorticoids are also
recommended in patients awaiting a response to DMARD therapy. DMARDs are
categorized into conventional or biological types. Biologic DMARDs are highly
specific and target a specific pathway of the immune system. This chapter is an attempt
to review the traditional therapies which are used in the management and treatment of
RA.
Keywords: Biologic DMARDs, Conventional DMARDs, Conventional therapy, Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, Glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, Rheumatoid arthritis.
