Arthritis is usually a chronic condition that needs long term treatment. Some
people do go into remission - meaning they'll be pain-free for a while - but
when they're having pain, it needs to be addressed. Fortunately, there are medications
that can help.
For rheumatoid arthritis, doctors often recommend medications such as:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), for example, aspirin, ibuprofen
and naproxen
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as biologics (adalimumab,
anarinka, etanercept, and infliximab) and traditional DMARDs (such as hydroxychloroquine,
oral and injectable gold, sulfasalazine, d-penicillamine or methotrexate)
- corticosteroids such as prednisone
These medications can help with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including
pain and inflammation. The NSAIDs and corticosteroids work quickly, while many
DMARDs take time to reach their full effects. The DMARDs can also slow the progression
of the disease.
Some of these medications can be hard on the stomach with effects that range
from mild nausea and heartburn up to an ulcer. It is important to check with
your doctor or pharmacist about what warning signs (such as persistent heartburn
or dark, tarry stools) to watch for. People who are at a high risk of developing
an ulcer may be prescribed a preventative medication. As for any medication,
ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects and what you can do
to prevent or minimize them.
Besides medications, physical therapy might be recommended to keep your joints
as flexible and strong as possible.
To treat osteoarthritis, doctors take a slightly different approach because
the pain doesn't have the same cause as in rheumatoid arthritis. Medications
with anti-inflammatory effects, such as NSAIDs and steroids, are used, but in
many cases the pain can be managed with acetaminophen, which isn't an anti-inflammatory.
As well, steroid injections directly into the painful joints might be helpful.
Other non-medication approaches include physical therapy, wearing braces that
stabilize the joint, preventing movement. Also, losing weight can help relieve
stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. In more severe cases,
surgery might be necessary.