Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of joints. There are 100 different types of arthritis and millions of people are affected by it each year. Among them osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common. Age, gender, being overweight, genetics, diet or any injury, all play as a factor for arthritis. The inflammation causes extremely painful condition, swollen joints and stiffness. The pain may vary from moderate to severe depending on the usage of joints and sometimes can lead to immobility and sedentary lifestyle.
It is important to manage and treat arthritic state on right time and in right way. The management and treatment involves relieving painful stimulation and improving joint function. Here are some helpful ways which you may try alone or in combination but know that what is best for you.
Drugs Used For Arthritis
There are different classes of drugs that works for and vary depending on the type of inflammatory conditions of arthritis and deals with its symptoms. Commonly used medicines are:
Painkillers. These medications works by reducing pain only but not inflammation. The most common over the counter painkiller is acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain. For severe pain use of opioids analgesics works best like codeine derivatives and tramadol. These are only taken when prescribed as opioids can cause mental and physical dependence when taken wrongly.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are used best against arthritic pain and inflammation. They are available as both prescribed and non-prescribed medications. People who experience side effects when taking orally can switch to creams or gels, directly rubbed on joints.
Counterirritants. To reduce inflammation counterirritants like menthol or capsaicin are added in different ointments and creams that when rubbed again inflamed areas interfere with the pain signals and reduces intensity.
Disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These are used to treat autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, by stopping the immune system from attacking your joints.
Corticosteroids. These are commonly prescribed in combination with nsaids or analgesics. This class reduces inflammation by interfering with inflammatory processes including prednisone and cortisone. They can be injected directly into the painful joint.
Physical Therapy.
Besides medications physical therapy for joints in an important aid for relieving pain. These physical exercises depend on the type of arthritis. The goal is to enhance mobility and lifestyle. Use of braces or splints with proper rest and exercises would be highly effective.
Surgery
This is the option for later stages that cannot be treated by other measures. It includes
Arthroscopic repair of joints by realigning joint surfaces thus improving joint function and reducing pain.
Procedures like joint replacement of knees or hips or joint fusion of smaller joints of ankle, dingers or wrist may help from getting rid of painful joints.
Supportive Therapies
These are the changes that should be adapted in conjunction with other therapies for quality lifestyle.
Being overweight can restrict proper movements, the weight put stress on joints and cause pain. Losing weight would be the first priority.
Using therapies like heating pads or ice packs can reduces inflammation and pain.
In case of restricted mobility assistive devices should be used that aids in walking by reducing the pressure on joints and performing daily tasks.
Apart from these supportive therapies use of alternative procedures like acupuncture to relief pain through needle insertion at the specific pain relieving areas, use of glucosamine, chondroitin or massaging the joints can lead to better management and aids arthritis treatment.
So, these were some of the most effective methods and treatment possibilities described briefly to spread awareness about arthritis.
Until Next time,
Team Doctor ASKY!