Arthritis Treatment
There is no cure for arthritis, but proper treatment can allow you to participate in normal daily activities and can significantly decrease arthritis symptoms. The treatment options for arthritis depend on the particular type of arthritis you have.
Treatment for non-inflammatory arthritis may require more rest, because it primarily afflicts the weight-bearing joints. Whereas, treatment for inflammatory arthritis, usually incorporates more exercise, since inactive periods tend to cause flare-ups.
If your arthritis type benefits from exercise, try activities that help you maintain normal joint movement, and increase flexibility, endurance and muscle strength. Cardiovascular exercises are a similarly beneficial part of the treatment routine because they contribute to your overall health and well being. A well-balanced diet will also help you maintain a healthy weight so you do not put too much strain on your weight-bearing joints.
Medical Arthritis Treatments
There are a plethora of medications available for treating arthritis. These medications reduce symptoms of the disease but do not eliminate it, except in the case of infectious arthritis, which is caused by an infection such as lime disease. When caught early enough, infectious arthritis can be treated with antibiotics, which knock out the infection that is causing the arthritis symptoms, thus stopping arthritis before it becomes a problem.
Medications used to treat arthritis reduce pain and inflammation. Some arthritis medications can even slow down the progression of the disease, thereby restricting further damage to the joints.
Your doctor probably will not prescribe any medication until making a definitive diagnosis and identifying what specific kind of arthritis you have. That is because medications can mask symptoms either by making them go away or causing misleading side effects that may be mistaken for disease symptoms. Side effects of arthritis medications may include headache nausea or upset stomach. If you are taking arthritis medication and experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor immediately and ask for a lower dosage or different medication.
Pain Relievers
Analgesics, like aspirin, and other steroid-free anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are usually used as pain relievers. These drugs also have the added benefit of reducing inflammation. They are administered orally and can typically be purchased over the counter.
Corticosteroids
Rheumatoid arthritis is frequently treated with corticosteroids, such as cortisone or hydrocortisone, because they reduce swelling and suppress the immune system. It is the immune system’s faulty attack on healthy cells that is responsible for the problems that come with rheumatoid arthritis.
Corticosteroids come in pill, cream and injection forms. Their short-term side effects may include mood swings, increased appetite, weight gain and, ironically, increased inflammation. These side effects usually subside after taking the medication for a short time. In rare occurrences, the long-term side effects of using a corticosteroid may include extra hair growth, stretch marks, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, cataracts or artery damage. Side effects usually go away after you stop taking the medication. Note: It is dangerous to stop taking corticosteroids abruptly. It is far safer to gradually wean yourself off a medication under a doctor’s close supervision.
Alternative Arthritis Treatments
With some forms of arthritis, analgesics and corticosteroids simply are not enough. That is where heat and cold therapies usually come into play. Applying heat to the effected area increases blood flow and fortifies pain tolerance. Cold therapy serves to numb the nerves around the joint. Other treatment methods include hydrotherapy, mobilization therapy and relaxing therapy.
Work with your doctor and pharmacist to find the most effective and practical arthritis treatment method for your particular needs.