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Today's disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have changed the outlook for many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients should see a decrease in joint swelling and tenderness.
With improved motion, they also have better function and fewer limitations. Lab tests also show measurable improvement of inflammation. X-rays confirm a slowing of the disease process.
Helping people mainatin their physical functioning reduces disability and improves quality of life. Twenty years ago, many people ended up on disability and were unable to continue working. Today, that scenario is far less common.
Some patients do not respond to the new medications. Scientists think this is because there are many mechanisms behind RA. They may not all be based on joint inflammation. Solving the mystery of RA will eventually lead to drugs that are effective without toxic side effects.
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