Arthritis can be really concerning for some of us as its symptoms can be really annoying and affecting our quality of life. There are generally few types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the most common type of arthritis affecting the elder generation of the population is osteoarthritis.
Some common symptoms of arthritis include having joint pain either aggravated by movements or rest. The joints involved usually depend on the type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually affects large joints such as the hip joint and knee joint. Gouty arthritis affects the smaller joints at toes because it is precipitated by deposition of excessive uric acid. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis affects small joints on your hands associated with joint deformity as the disease progresses.
Other common symptoms experienced by patients are joint stiffness and deformity over affected joints. Generally the treatment of arthritis can be divided into non pharmacological and pharmacological options. Both the options are crucial to ensure a good recovery phase from arthritis. Continue reading the article to know more about treatment plans for arthritis.
Ways to treat arthritis?
1. Reduce weight
Reducing your weight to an ideal body weight will help you a lot in reducing the pain severity especially in osteoarthritis. This is due to the function of both your knees supporting your upper abdomen, thus reducing your total body weight may help you to reduce the pain as well. Plan an appropriate exercise and dieting plan with a trainer or someone expert to reduce your weight.
2. Painkillers
Painkillers or analgesics work to reduce the pain caused by arthritis but have no much effect on the inflammation caused by it. An over the counter option includes paracetamol, and opioids such as tramadol, oxycodone, hydrocodone. Opioids functions on the central nervous system on specific receptors. Opioids should be taken in caution as its long term use can cause mental and physical dependence on the drug.
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDS reduce both the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Some examples of NSAIDS include ibuprofen and naproxen. Bear in mind that long term use of NSAIDS can cause several side effects like stomach irritation and can cause bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Get proper advice from your doctor on the frequency and duration of treatment.
4. Corticosteroids
Steroids which come in the form of cream and ointments can be a good choice of treatment for arthritis. Your doctor can also prescribe you with intra articular injection of steroid if you are not suitable for knee replacement surgeries. Steroids have many side effects if used inappropriately for a long duration of time. Some examples of side effects include having diabetes, high blood pressure, abdominal striae and fat pads on your back.
5. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, DMARDS
This group of drugs is often used in treating rheumatoid arthritis. They work by interacting with our body immune system to stop attacking your joints. Some examples of disease modifying drugs are methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine.
6. Surgery
Surgery is often kept as the last resort for patients where medical treatment is not helpful and does not improve patients’ condition after optimal treatment. Total knee replacement and osteotomy are options of surgeries to be offered to patients. Another indication for surgical treatment is when a patient complains of deteriorating quality of life such as difficulties in daily activities like walking around, praying and sleeping.
Above are some examples of treatment options for arthritis. However, treatment options have to be tied to patient history, physical examination and proper consultation from your doctors. Get an appointment from your doctor when your symptoms are worsening.
