What is the standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

The standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is focused on modifying the disease course and preventing further joint damage, which is effectively achieved through the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs, such as methotrexate, are crucial for managing RA because they can slow the progression of the disease, reduce inflammation, and improve or maintain joint function. These medications work by targeting the underlying immune processes responsible for the chronic inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation as a symptomatic treatment, they do not modify the disease's course. Similarly, glucocorticoids may provide transient relief but also do not prevent the long-term joint damage characteristic of RA. Biologic agents, while effective in certain circumstances and sometimes used when conventional DMARDs fail, are typically considered after DMARDs and are not the first line of treatment.

Thus, the central importance of DMARDs lies in their ability to alter the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, distinguishing them as the primary treatment standard for healthcare providers managing patients with this condition.