Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by symmetric, multi-joint chronic inflammatory lesions, mainly affecting the small joints of the hands and feet. The main rheumatoid arthritis treatment drugs are first-line drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, second-line drugs: palliative drugs, i.e. anti-rheumatic drugs, glucocorticoids. Although NSAIDs and glucocorticoids can reduce symptoms, joint damage can persist and progress. Palliative medications have the effect of reducing or preventing joint damage and maintaining joint integrity and function. Therefore, all patients with rheumatoid arthritis should be considered for treatment with palliative medications. Most patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis should begin palliative care within 3 months of diagnosis. Any patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who has progressive joint pain, significant morning stiffness or fatigue, active synovitis, persistent high levels of sedimentation and C-reactive protein, or imaging of joint damage should be started on palliative medication within 3 months of diagnosis, regardless of whether NSAIDs provide adequate symptomatic relief. In any patient with persistent synovitis and untreated joint destruction, immediate palliative therapy should be initiated to prevent and slow further destruction. Commonly used palliative medications for rheumatoid arthritis include hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, leflunomide, minocycline, and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (etanercept and infliximab). Palliative drugs can be used alone or in combination depending on the condition. Relieving drugs usually take effect in 2-3 months, at which time NSAIDs and glucocorticoids are discontinued until they are discontinued. The main method of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to identify and treat the disease, and the combination of Chinese and Western medicine can also control the disease.