How is arthritis treated?

Answer 1

There are many different forms of arthritis so naturally there will be many different treatments. There is no known cure for Arthritis however there are many ways to control pain and damage caused by this disease. To find out more go to the related link below (Arthritis treatments)

Answer 2

You have to keep in mind here that some forms of arthritis are autoimmune diseases and that this isdifferent from Diseases such as osteo arthritis's however the same pain killers and anti inflamotory's are often used.

There are treatments to inhibit and to some extent control the damage done as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. However there is up to now no cure. For any one that suspects that they have RA it would be wise to seek medical advise as early as possible because the treatment is best begun before the onset of physical damage.

treatments used on RA (Rheumatoid arthritis)

The inflammation caused by RA results in damage to the joints. The main way to stop or at least reduce joint damage is by giving medications that suppress inflammation. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic

DMARDs

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs

These can also be described as slow acting anti rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). These drugs suppress inflammation and may also retard the development of joint erosion The exact reason for their effectiveness is at this stage not well understood. Their effectiveness in their ability to slow the progression of erosion is judged through the use of X-rays.

With DMARDs early diagnosis and treatment of RA is important in the aim of preventing joint deformity and disability. DMARDs take 6-8 weeks to achieve beneficial effects. Treatment with these drugs should be closely monitored. Regular blood and urine tests are often done to identify side effects and potential problems as soon as possible.

DMARDs that are used in the treatment of RA.

Methotrexate (e.g. Ledertrexate, Methoblastin) may be used in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. This medication can be taken orally or by intramuscular injection. Supplements of folic acid are recommended to alleviate side effects such as nausea and mouth ulcers. Methotrexate It is potentially toxic to the liver. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in the fight against inflammation in RA.

Sulfasalazine such as Pyralin EN and Salazopyrin EN. These drugs while less potent, have fewer adverse side effects and are used in the treatment of mild RA. These however can still cause nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, rash and headaches. These side effects however are reduced once the maintenance dose is reached. It can also lead to severe anemia on occasion.

Leflunomide (e.g. Arava). Used for severe active RA that does to methotrexate. Leflunomide is as effective as methotrexate in the treatment of RA.

Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate such as Plaquenil are also used in the treatment of mild rheumatoid arthritis. They are less toxic than some of the other treatments. Plaquenil is often used in combination with other DMARDs.

Azathioprine (e.g. Imuran) is used to treat only severe active RA that is unresponsive to other DMARDs. Because of high toxicity it is rarely used.

(NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

These drugs are prescribed as pain killers. They may also reduce inflammation inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as RA. They have no effect on the progress of the disease but may relieve symptoms. ibuprofen such as Nurofen or Tri-Profen and naproxens such as Naprogesic are available without prescription. Drugs such as such as diclofenac, piroxicam, sulindac and indomethacin have to be prescribed by a doctor.

The use of NSAIDs is often limited because they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcer. They are not suitable for use by people who have had a peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.

COX-2 specific inhibitors

The coxibs (e.g. celecoxib - brand name Celebrex) These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain and are far gentler on the stomach than the conventional, older NSAIDs. Coxibs may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, when taken in high doses. People with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are advised not to use these medications.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These agents are used in the treatment of RA, both as tablets and as injections into the joint. Prednisolone is sometimes used in moderate to severe RA where NSAIDs and DMARDs are not controlling the disease. Oral corticosteroids (those taken by mouth) are usually used at the lowest effective dose to minimize adverse effects such as weight gain, hypertension (high blood pressure) and osteoporosis.

Corticosteroids may also be injected into joints if the arthritis is not being controlled through oral therapy, however this has to be limited to 3 to 4 injections a year. Joints commonly injected are fingers, toes, knees and shoulders. Corticosteroids are also sometimes injected into the muscles.

Biologic agents

A new category of arthritis treatments called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has been developed. TNF inhibitors occur naturally in the body and are key players in the process of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. It is found in high concentration in the joint fluid of people with RA. By attaching to the TNF, these new agents can block its effect.

Infliximab (e.g. Remicade) is a TNF inhibitor available for the treatment of RA in selected patients. It slows the progression of RA and reduces joint damage. Inflixmab is given by infusion via a drip into a vein. Each treatment takes approximately 2 hours. It is given along with methotrexate. There are very tight Government restrictions In Australia on which patients with RA can obtain access to Remicade because of the expense involved.

Etanercept (e.g. Enbrel)

Humira (adalimumab),

Answer 3

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is still an incurable disease. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis involves, first of all reducing inflammation to prevent joint damage and disability as well as relieving symptoms, especially pain. Although achieving the first goal may accomplish the second, many people need separate treatment for symptoms at some point in the disease.

Osteoarthritis arthritis which is a non inflammatory form of arthritis is in the same boat, there is no cure ant treatment is carried ut with pain killers noninflammatory when required and direct surgical intervention when there is no other way out.

Answer 4

At present the use of anti inflammatory are used for the treatment of RA and Osteoarthritis there are however more then a hundred different forms of this disease so there are many different treatments it depends on the nature of the problem.

Answer 5

There are over a hundred different forms of arthritis the main forms include osteoarthritis's, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, they are all very different diseases and there are no cures for them. However there are may treatments available to help keep them under control.

Answer 6

There are over a hundred different forms of arthritis involving not only the joints but many other organs and parts of the body. Arthritisnearly always initial involves pain and stiffness in the joints of the body, leading to the sufferer to start treatment of the pain with over the counter analgesics and anti inflammatory like Panadene, aspirin voltarin etc. When it comes to medical treatment however a doctor or in the case of a arthritis specialist, a rheumatologist, wil first ascertain what the nature of your complaint is.

Osteoarthritis for example is a disease that is usually the result of wear and tear or trauma or injury on joints and bone, there is no cure for this and treatment is usually to simply control pain wit analgesics. and exercises that strengthen support around the effected areas if there is a problem with weight, then diet is also suggested in order to relieve the weight being carried by the joints such as the knees and hips. As a last resort it may be necessary to replace certain joints to restore mobility and relieve pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another story. This disease is what is known as an autoimmune disease here the immune system mistakenly attacks cartilage and other tissue in joints of the body as well as other organs Leading to pain, joint dysfunction, disfigurement, and eventual destruction. Unlike osteoarthritis arthritis where the inflammation is a result of the damage, here the damage is the result of the inflammation and in some cases also the other way around. Cartilage is destroyed and at the same time enzymes are produced that attack neighboring ligaments and bone to further exacerbate the problem. In this case analgesics, non steroidal and steroidal anti inflammatory may be used to control the inflammation and reduce the damage being done. If these prove not to be effective disease modifying drugs may be introduced that have the effect of turning of the effect that the immune system has in causing the inflammation. These drugs however have the effect of reducing a persons resistance to disease as well as many other side effects and need to be monitored closely. The need for joint replacement is also an option where the damage done has progressed beyond a point of pain control and into disability. a However compared to not many years ago the prognosis for a person with RA is a lot better then it was not too many years ago.

Answer 7

Depending on your severity, anything from aspiring to acetaminophen. Placing a warm, wet towel on the sore area can also alleviate pain and a bit of swelling, along with gentle massage around the joint.

Answer 8

Take an anti-inflammatory medication. Inflammation eats away at the joint until there is no cartilage left and joint replacement surgery is necessary.

Also eat

Anti-inflammatory foods

Olive Oil

Protein; best types are lean poultry, fish, seafood, soybeans, tofu, soy milk

Whole grains

Fruits - apples, bananas, grapes

Vegetables - dark leafy greens like leaf lettuce and spinach

Water

Decaffeinated tea

Omega-3 found in walnuts, fish, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds

Low fat and low sodium foods

Things that you should limit or avoid:

Caffeine, Alcohol, Tobacco, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Salt, Fat

Answer 9

Some common treatments for arthritis include exercise and aspirin based medication. To learn more about treatment options, visit http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/99/main.html or http://www.life123.com/health/healthy-aging/arthritis/arthritis-treatment.shtml.