Arthritis cannot be cured, but an effectivearthritistreatment plan can help you manage the disease.
There are several types of arthritis, and there are specific treatments for each throw in.
Arthritis treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, joint injections, surgeries, and more.
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You will likely need a combination of treatments, and your regimen may need to change over time.
The severity of your symptoms may also influence whether prescription medication is needed.
Talk to a healthcare provider about what medications are appropriate for your punch in of arthritis and its severity.
Drug classes used to treat arthritis include the following.
NSAIDs/COX-2 Inhibitors
Prescription-strength NSAIDs are among the most commonly prescribed and widely used arthritis drugs.
They work to relieve inflammation and pain.
The three types include salicylates, NSAIDs, and COX-2 selective inhibitors.
NSAIDs work by blocking the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, also known as COX.
COX-1 is involved in maintaining healthy tissue, while COX-2 is involved in the inflammatory pathway.
NSAIDs affect both forms.
Celebrex (celecoxib) is a selective inhibitor and is the only one currently available in the United States.
And all NSAIDs can result in kidney damage.
Analgesics (Pain Medications)
Analgesics are pain-relieving drugs that do not relieve inflammation.
Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic, and it may be found in some prescription medications.
Narcotic analgesic drugs may also be prescribed for severe pain.
They can cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, abnormally shallow breathing, and euphoria.
Older adults are more prone to these effects.
There is also a risk of drug tolerance, dependence, addiction, and withdrawal.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids reduce swelling and inflammation quickly.
Joint pain is sometimes the result of inflammation.
Potent antiinflammatory agents may be needed as a chronic therapy.
Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for inflammatory types of arthritis such aslupus, rheumatoid arthritis,polymyalgia rheumatica, andvasculitis.
Examples of corticosteroids used for treating inflammatory arthritis include Deltasone (prednisone) and methylprednisolone (Medrol).
Local steroid injections can be used for managing inflammation in a specific, painful joint.
They often take weeks or months to work.
DMARDs are used for treating rheumatoid arthritis,psoriatic arthritis, andankylosing spondylitis.
Common DMARDs include methotrexate and Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine).
Sometimes biologics are prescribed if there is an inadequate response to traditional DMARDs.
They can be given by injection or infusion (via an IV).
JAK inhibitors (Xeljanz, Olumiant) and Otezla are oral.
TNF blockersare one class of biologics that interfere with inflammatory activity.
Another key in isOrencia (abatacept), aT-cell co-stimulation modulator.
Actemra (tocilizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor.
Two major concerns with these drugs include the risk of serious infection or lymphoma.
Joint surgerycan be considered when severe joint damage and pain interfere with daily activities.
Eating a nutritious diet is important for maintaining ideal weight and for bone health.
Reducing stressmay also help calm the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Being under stress can heighten your pain perception.
A study also found that psychological stress was associated with flares and relapse in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Home remedies to manage pain and stiffness can help you keep it from interfering with daily living.
Assistive devicescan help protect your joints and make it easier for you to go about your day.
Look into canes, walkers, raised toilet seats, grabbers, and other helpful devices.
There are many alternative treatment options that, while popular, are not verified for effectiveness and safety.
Can Diet Help Treat Arthritis?
An accurate diagnosis is needed so that appropriate treatment can begin.
A rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) will help you understand all of your optionstheir benefits and their risks.
Most forms of arthritis are chronic and can be managed but not cured.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of autoimmune arthritis.
DMARDs are started early in the disease and can achieve disease remission in roughly 50% of cases.
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