Approach to initial medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
In this article, we review the first line of therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The components of first-line therapy include patient education, rest, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. We discuss each of these components in detail. Factors that might necessitate the addition of second-line agents (corticosteroids, antimalarials, gold salts, penicillamine, immunosuppressives, and surgery) are also outlined.
Borenstein
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DG
Division of Rheumatology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Silver
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G
Jenkins
E
E
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012146:Rest