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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?

    Related Topics
    Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatology
    • 2 answers
    • Nyema Hermiston
    • Dr Irwin Lim
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    Nyema Hermiston

    Homeopath, Naturopath, Registered Nurse

    Nyema has been in ‘general practice’ treating adults and children for acute and chronic illnesses for over 20 years. She is Vice President of The … View Profile

    Most would say that the only treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is the management of symptoms. However, if the cause can be found, then the treatment path is clearer. Looking into the medical history can provide clues to this. In particular, the bacterial events, such as a sore throat or tonsillitis. Looking at improving gut flora can also make a difference, and there are several ways of doing this.
    The most compelling work on cures for  rheumatoid arthritis is the work of  the late Dr Thomas McPherson Brown, as highlighted by the Road Back Foundation http://www.roadback.org/ offers treatment options that could provide some real answers for sufferers.

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    Dr Irwin Lim

    Rheumatologist

    Irwin has been a rheumatologist in Sydney since 2003. He is a co-founder and medical director of BJC Health, which consists of a team of … View Profile

    There is not a cure at the moment.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis however is a disease that can now be well controlled with effective medication.

    Please note that rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disease, and when not treated appropriately, it leads to damage and destruction of the joints. It also leads to increased death primarily through cardiovascular disease.

    Importantly, there is a clear window of opportunity with this disease. By that I mean, that the quicker a patient is diagnosed and then treated with appropriate medication to modulate the immune system and achieve remission, the better patients do in the long term. 

    The aim of treatment at this point in time is reduction of symptoms eg pain and swelling, normalisation of the blood test abnormalities, reducing/avoiding the joint deformity, reducing the long term effects of the disease such as heart attacks. And of course, improving the quality of life.

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