Easing the discomfort
Arthritis is usually a chronic condition that needs to be treated long term. 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 like:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), for example, ASA, ibuprofen and naproxen
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as hydroxychloroquine, oral and injectable gold, sulfasalazine, d-penicillamine or methotrexate)
- corticosteroids like prednisone
Many of these drugs 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 with 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 the rheumatoid type. Medications 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 wearing braces that stabilize the joint, preventing harmful movement. Also, losing weight can help relieve stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary.
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