Medical intervention is critical to rid the body of the streptococcal infection. Penicillin therapy is the most commonly used and successful method for killing the infection, though other antibiotics may be used if a patient has an allergic reaction to penicillin. Penicillin is usually taken for at least ten days to treat the condition.

While the primary treatment is focused on killing the original infection, physicians will also attempt to relieve the symptoms of rheumatic fever. To relieve joint pain, the first step is plenty of bed rest to alleviate some of the pressure on the joints. As patients begin to heal, strenuous activity should be limited until they have fully recovered.

Anti-inflammatory medications are also commonly prescribed. These might include the following:

Heart replacement valve surgery may be necessary if serious degeneration of the valve structures occurs.

Once rheumatic fever has occurred, there is a strong likelihood that the event will recur. Preventive measures must then be taken to stop further damage. Continual antibiotic treatment is usually required. A common preventive program is long-acting penicillin administered every three to four weeks. Many researchers recommend this therapy in young patients until they are at least 18 years old.