Treating arthritis with medication
Common treatments for rheumatic diseases include rest, exercise, proper diet, medication, and education on joint use or functioning. Other treatments include the use of pain relief methods and assistive devices like a brace. Sometimes surgery may be necessary in more severe cases. Treatment plans usually combine several types of treatment and vary depending on the rheumatic condition and the patient, with the goal of improving both comfort and lifestyle wherever possible.The type of medication depends on particulars of the condition, and the dosage of medications will vary depending on the diagnosis and the patient. Patient and doctor must work together to determine the right amount of medication.
Most medicines used to treat rheumatic diseases are aimed at reducing and lessoning symptoms, as in the relief of pain and inflammation. In some cases, the medication may slow the course of the disease and prevent further damage to joints or other parts of the body. In some exceptional cases, medications eliminate symptoms of arthritis or cure conditions like Lyme disease, infectious arthritis, or gout (where medication is used and administered properly).
Pain relievers: Analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are used to reduce the pain caused by many rheumatic conditions. NSAIDs have the added benefit of decreasing the inflammation associated with arthritis. A common side effect of NSAIDs is stomach irritation, which can often be reduced by changing the dosage or medication. New NSAIDs, including celecoxib (Celebrex), can sometimes reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD): Depending on the type of arthritis, these drugs are intended to slow or prevent damage to the joint. DMARDs include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide (Arava).
Biological response modifiers: Newer drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which can sometimes help reduce inflammation and structural damage of the joints. These drugs include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and anakinra (Kineret).
Corticosteroids: Examples include prednisone, cortisone, solumedrol, and hydrocortisone. They are used to treat many rheumatic conditions because they decrease inflammation and help suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids are administered by mouth, in creams to the skin, or by injection. Some side effects of corticosteroids may include swelling, increased appetite, weight gain, and emotional ups and downs. Side effects that may occur after long-term use of corticosteroids include stretch marks, excessive hair growth, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, damage to the arteries, high blood sugar, infections, and cataracts. It is very important that the doctor and patient work together when changing the corticosteroid dose.
Hyaluronic acid products like Hyalgan and Synvisc mimic a naturally occurring body substance that lubricates the knee joint. They are usually injected directly into the joint to help provide temporary relief of pain and flexible joint movement.