Hello,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Currently treatment for
Rheumatoid arthritis aims at reducing the inflammation and symptoms and modifying the disease that help in remission and slowing the progression.
For these NSAIDS and DMARDS ( Disease modifying anti rheumatic agents ) as well as biologic agents are used.
Meloxicam is an NSAID and Better add some DMARDS like
Methotrexate or
Hydroxychloroquine etc..
All NSAIDS are prone to cause gastritis as it inhibit an enzyme called Cyclooxygenase.
Along with meloxicam you have to proton pump inhibitors like
pantoprazole or omeprazole.
You can switch over to selective
Cox-2 inhibitor like celecoxib or etoricoxib if you do not have any cardiovascular risks.
Selective COx-2 Inhibitors decrease the risk of gastritis compared to other NSAIDS.
In general, Moderate physical activity is essential in Rheumatoid arthritis.
It strengthen muscles and thus reduce stress on joint.
It also help in weight control
Hope this helps.
Take care.