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.