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Arthritis medicines
There are over 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These diseases may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints - where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. The term arthritis is used to describe changes in the joints which may be either inflammatory or degenerative in character.
What arthritis medicines to take?
- At this time, there is no known cure for arthritis.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) arthritis medicines can be a very important part of your comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. Over-the-counter arthritis medicines are used to reduce the swelling, redness, joint pain and inflammation.
- By using anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce joint pain and swelling, patients may be able to begin a physical therapy program to build strength and flexibility.
- The long-range goal of drug therapy is to change the development of the disease itself and its destruction of bone and cartilage. The short-term goal is to reduce joint pain and swelling.
- Analgesics are common prescription, which treat pain but not inflammation. They are helpful if you need relief from pain only, are allergic to aspirin or have had an ulcer. Acetaminophen gives temporary relief of common arthritis pain.
- Aspirin has been used since eighteenth century England to treat arthritis. It can reduce joint pain and inflammation in arthritis sufferers. Aspirin is a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug).
- NSAIDs are usually the most common drug use to treat arthritis. This drug however doesn't heal immediately and takes quite a while to show its effects. Currently the other NSAIDs that are sold over the counter are ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen. NSAID has the side effect of causing stomach upset.
- Many different types of medicines can help control the pain and swelling of arthritis. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter and/or prescription medications depending on your type of arthritis, how much pain you have and other factors.
- Synthetic forms of the hormone Cortisol are also prescribed for arthritic patients.
- Biological response modifiers like etanercept and infliximib help in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- Antidepressants, in addition to relieving depression, also can help relieve chronic pain. They are typically prescribed for the chronic pain of fibromyalgia rather than for arthritis. These drugs work by blocking pain messengers in the brain. Antidepressants are sometimes used to help people with arthritis break out of the pain and depression cycle. These drugs also can help improve sleep quality, which in turn may help reduce pain. The doses used to treat pain and sleep problems are usually lower than those used for depression.
- Topical pain relievers can temporarily relieve the pain of arthritis. They include creams, rubs and sprays that are applied to the skin over a painful muscle or joint.