Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Reversed?

Mar 11, 2025

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Reversed?

Around 1.3 million Americans currently suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is the most common form of chronic autoimmune arthritis. Although currently this autoimmune disorder cannot be cured or fully reversed, early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve quality of life, manage and reduce severity of symptoms, and slow the progression of RA. Starting treatment as early as possible is important to help prevent joint damage.

Typical Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although symptoms can vary in form and severity, the following are some of the most common symptoms that people living with RA experience:

  • Inflammation or swelling in joints that results in pain and stiffness, usually more noticeable early in the day
  • Decreased range of motion in joints
  • Fatigue or lowered energy levels
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rheumatoid nodules (i.e., hardened lumps on the elbows and hands)
  • Dry eyes or dry mouth

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

Many individuals find relief through treatment of their RA symptoms under the care of a rheumatologist. Most treatments focus on reducing or preventing inflammation and increasing joint function and flexibility and include:

Medication

Several medications are currently available to help treat RA, including disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), tissue necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and other biologic agents. Generally, these medications target inflammation or specific parts of the immune system or suppress the immune system to help slow the progression of RA, which is important in preventing joint damage.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide pain relief and help reduce swelling in joints, which improves range of motion.

Steroids are very effective for short-term relief of inflammation but are generally not a long-term solution. Used in conjunction with other treatments, however, steroids in tablet form, injections, and topical creams can be a useful “bridge therapy” for RA, providing quick results. 

A nurse assists a senior woman exercising with a resistance band, helping her improve mobility and regain strength, supporting efforts to reverse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Physical Therapy

To help maintain joint function and increase flexibility and range of motion, many individuals include physical therapy in their treatment plans. In addition to working with a physical therapist, there are several easy and effective exercises you can do at home to help relieve joint pain in your neck and back, hips, knees, feet and ankles, hands and wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Therapeutic Massage

Although many people think of massage as a luxury activity at a spa, some forms of therapeutic massage specifically focus on medical needs, including RA symptom relief. Check with your rheumatologist about whether you should include medical massage in your RA treatment plan for pain management, inflammation reduction, improved circulation, nerve compression relief, and increased range of motion and flexibility.

Consult with a Rheumatologist to Develop Your RA Treatment Plan

Even though RA cannot be reversed completely, a more comfortable life with RA is possible. With the right treatment plan under the care of a rheumatologist who specializes in autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases you may be able to experience periods of remission where symptoms are minimal or even absent completely. But it’s important to seek a diagnosis and start treatment as early as possible. Contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to schedule an appointment today to get started on your journey to a pain-free life.