Arthritis

The type of arthritis being treated determines the drugs that are utilized. Typical drugs for arthritis include:

• NSAIDs. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, have the ability to lessen inflammation and decrease pain. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other brands) are two examples. In addition to irritating your stomach, stronger NSAIDS may raise your chance of a heart attack or stroke. NSAIDs can also be used topically to joints as gels or lotions.

• The component that gives hot peppers their heat, capsaicin, or menthol, is present in certain lotions and ointments. Applying these preparations to the area over your hurting joint may prevent the joint from sending pain signals.

• Steroids. Prednisone is one example of a corticosteroid medicine that reduces pain and inflammation while slowing joint deterioration. Corticosteroids can be injected into the aching joint or administered as a tablet. Diabetes, weight gain, and bone weakening are possible side effects.

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications can prevent irreversible damage to the joints and other tissues by slowing the course of rheumatoid arthritis. Targeted synthetic DMARDs and biologic medicines are available in addition to traditional DMARDs. The majority of DMARDs raise your risk of infections, while side effects vary.

Some kinds of arthritis can benefit from physical therapy. Exercises can strengthen the muscles that surround joints and increase range of motion. Braces or splints could be necessary in some situations.

Doctors may recommend surgery if conservative methods are ineffective, such as:

• Joint restoration. Joint surfaces may occasionally be straightened or smoothed to lessen discomfort and enhance function. These kinds of operations are frequently carried out arthroscopically, which involves making tiny incisions all throughout the joint.

• Replacement of the joint. Through this process, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one. The most often replaced joints are the knees and hips.

• Fusion of the joint. The wrist, ankle, and finger joints are among the smaller joints for which this treatment is most frequently utilized. The two ends of the joint’s bones are extracted, and their ends are then locked together until the joint heals into a single, inflexible unit.