Treatment and
Medication for Arthritis
Read about
Treatment & Medication for Arthritis presented in simple
easy to understand language
Arthritis is a very common condition affecting most
people at some point in their lives. There are many different types
of arthritis, and treatment for arthritis depends on the type of
arthritis, the causes and symptoms. People of any age can develop
arthritis and it can make day to day living difficult. The two most
common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and
osteosrthritis. Arthritis can develop due to many factors such as
cartilage damage in osteoarthritis which is a common condition
caused by injury, infection, wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis can
affect the whole body as it is an autoimmune disease.
Some of the symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and swelling,
morning stiffness and difficulty in performing basic daily tasks.
The symptoms differ depending on the type of arthritis. Some types
of arthritis can affect major organs like the heart and lungs.
Diagnosing arthritis early can help in the treatment of arthritis
and in helping to control the joint damage and symptoms from
worsening. The diagnosis of arthritis is done after taking into
account the patient’s medical history and symptoms which are
reported, a physical examination and imaging tests may also be
ordered.
Treatment for arthritis includes self-care, exercise, physical
therapy, medication and surgery in advanced cases. Improvement of
day to day functioning is one of the goals in the treatment of
arthritis. The patient’s role in the recovery from arthritis is
important and self-care methods as well as patient education are
encouraged in the management of the disease. Some of the self care
methods include taking supplements to strengthen the cartilage in
the joints such as glucosamine. People with arthritis can be prone
to fatigue; therefore they should combine rest with physical
activity. Exercise and physical therapy programs to strengthen
muscles and reduce stiffness as well as aerobic exercises for
overall well being are recommended to help treat the condition. A
balanced and nutritional diet helps people stay healthy and maintain
an ideal body weight as arthritis often affects the load bearing
joints in the body.
Some of the Treatments
for Arthritis Include
Exercise and Physical Therapy:
Exercise programs combined with rest is recommended for people
suffering from arthritis. Physical therapy can also be prescribed to
strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Physical therapy may
include relaxation therapy, hydrotherapy and other therapies to
reduce pain, muscle tension and stiffness.
Other non-surgical methods:
Application of hot and cold packs is used to reduce inflammation,
stiffness and pain. Other methods include massages, nutrition and
nutritional supplements. Assistive devices such as splints, braces
and canes are used to ease pain.
Medications: Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain and inflammation.
Other pain relievers and corticosteroid injections may be injected
into joints for temporary relief.
There are many options today for treating arthritis. A patient’s
role in the treatment by self-management is encouraged in the
treatment. Alternative therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture and
chiropractic adjustments are used as complementary therapies.
Surgery such as arthroscopic surgery, arthroplasty or bone fusion
may be required in severe cases.
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