All about rheumatoid arthritis

In synovectomy, the inflamed synovial tissue is removed. As a stand-alone procedure, synovectomy has become less common in recent years, since not all of the tissue can be removed and the removed tissue eventually grows back. However, it is often part of reconstructive surgery.

Support therapies
While doctors must be involved in your care, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help manage RA. Experts suggest that eating a healthy diet can enhance your overall health and thus help you better manage the condition. Avoiding alcoholic beverages may be necessary, depending on the RA medications you are taking, especially the often-prescribed methotrexate. Check with your doctor. Stress reduction is also important, since your stress level may affect the amount of pain you feel.

When symptoms do occur, you can take steps to lessen their severity. Protecting your joints from undue stress can help. You may find that using a splint around a painful joint (generally wrists and hands) helps reduce pain and swelling. The splint supports the joint and lets it rest. Your doctor can help you obtain a properly fitting splint.

Self-help
You may want to talk to an occupational therapist about self-help devices that can help reduce stress on the joints while you participate in everyday activities. Zip pullers, long-handled shoehorns and products that help you get on and off chairs, toilet seats and beds can all ease the strain on your joints.