If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you're familiar with the inflammation and discomfort it causes. You don't have to endure the pain – rheumatoid arthritis treatment can help.

When most people think about arthritis, they're thinking of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, caused when cartilage within the joints breaks down over time.

But rheumatoid arthritis is also common. This type of arthritis is known as "autoimmune arthritis," meaning it relates to the immune system. More than 1.3 million people in the United States may live with rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is the result of your immune system rebelling.

Typically, your immune system acts as a defender, fighting off body invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, or other germs. But when you have RA, your immune system treats the body's cells as invaders and attacks them.

Specifically, your immune system attacks the cells in the synovium, which is the lining around a joint that helps it to move smoothly. Over time, that tissue swells and thickens, which can cause the joint to be painful, swollen, or stiff.

Usually, someone with RA experiences these symptoms in multiple damaged joints, and smaller joints in the hands and wrist are often affected.

While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many treatment options may relieve joint pain and other symptoms.

Your medical provider can create a treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and overall health. Treatment may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and reduce pain and stiffness
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic medications to slow inflammatory arthritis
• Corticosteroids, either oral or injected, to reduce joint swelling and inflammation
• Rehabilitation with a physical or occupational therapist to improve range of motion and restore/maintain abilities 
• Surgery to remove the damaged joint lining or replace a damaged joint

While disease-modifying medications, including biologic agents, are often helpful in treating RA, they can also cause serious side effects. These include infections, skin reactions, nerve damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer or heart failure. Before using these medications, carefully consider the pros and cons with your doctor.

Beyond these treatment options, your provider may also recommend making dietary changes to help ease inflammation and relieve pain. Following the Mediterranean diet – fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids – can be helpful.

Fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon or tuna, as well as some nuts, seeds, avocados, and certain plant oils. Your medical provider may also recommend nutritional supplements. Fish oil supplements are a good way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Vegan varieties are also available.