title: Approach to initial medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Borenstein
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jenkins
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012146:Rest