Final answer:
The best arthritis medicine for rheumatoid arthritis consists of treating the early stages with rest and joint splints, using exercise to strengthen muscles, and using medications to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, rheumatologists have a number of treatment options available. Early stages can be treated with rest of the affected joints by using a cane or by using joint splints that minimize inflammation.
When inflammation has decreased, exercise can be used to strengthen the muscles that surround the joint and to maintain joint flexibility. If joint damage is more extensive, medications can be used to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, topical pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections may be used. Surgery may be required in cases in which joint damage is severe.