TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS
Once the diagnosis of arthritis is made, treatments are available for a variety of symptoms. There is no cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. The available medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. Moreover, by decreasing inflammation, the joint damage is slowed.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), orthopedic bracing, medications, and dietary supplements (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.
In general, studies have shown that physical exercise of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement in terms of long-term pain relief. Furthermore, exercise of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.
Treatments
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Arthritis includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
• Treatment for arthritis depends on the specific type of arthritis, the severity of the symptoms, and the patients' age, general health and other medical conditions. Treatment is aimed at symptom control and modification of disease progression. Treatments include:
o Explanation - Education plays an important role in arthritis management
o Rest - during bouts of active inflammation
o Exercise - graduated exercise program recommended to maintain good joint function, especially in osteoarthritis
o Heat - may provide relief in non-inflammatory arthritis such as osteoarthritis
o Weight loss - will assist with symptom control in patients who are overweight, and have arthritis in weight bearing joints.
o Physiotherapy - can assist with regaining and maintaining joint function
o Occupational therapy - can assist with management at home and mobility aids
o Simple analgesics (used regularly) - can be effective in control of pain either alone or in combination with other agents. Regular paracetamol is an effective first line agent.
o NSAIDs, aspirin and COX-2's - used for more persistent pain or where there is evidence of an inflammatory component. Need to be wary of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.
o Stronger analgesics - tramadol, buprenorphine, opioid analgesics, used when pain is not adequately controlled with other measures, but not first line.
o Intra-articular steroids - not routinely recommended but can be effective for acute flare ups of arthritis
o Intra-articular hylans - for osteoarthritis of the knee
o Glucosamine - found in some studies to be as effective as NSAIDs in osteoarthritis
o Surgery - arthroscopy and joint replacement have a role when other measures do not provide adequate symptom control, especially in osteoarthritis.
o Oral steroids - used in treatment of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, ideally for short periods of time only.
o Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Agents (DMARDS) - used in treatment of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis associated with connective tissue disorders.
Immunosuppressants - Azathioprine, Cyclosporin, Leflunomide, Methotrexate
Other agents - Gold Salts, Hydroxychloroquine, Penicillamine, Sulfasalazine
o Cytokine blockers - Adalimumab, Anakinra, Entanercept, Infliximab for inflammatory arthropathies.
o Colchicine and allopurinol for gout
o Antibiotics - for septic arthritis
Alternative Treatments for Arthritis
Alternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Arthritis may include:
• Glucosamine sulfate
• Chondroitin sulfate
• S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
• Acupuncture
• more treatments
Physical Therapy
Individuals with arthritis can definitely benefit from both physical and occupational therapy. In arthritis the joints become stiff and the range of movements is limited. Physical therapy can teach you how to relax the stiff joint and not damage the joint. Moreover, physical therapy can provide splints or braces for your joints. There are also assist devices available that can help you drive, getting a bath, dressing and also in housekeeping labors. Occupation therapy can teach you how to reduce stress on your joint from daily living activities. Occupation therapy can also teach you how to modify your home and work environment so that you do reduce movements that may worsen your arthritis.
Physical therapy also involves use of ice, heating pads as well as ultrasound guided massage therapy. Physical therapy for arthritis can be learned and practiced at home. To help reduce stress on the joint, you will be taught how to distribute weight on the weight bearing joints. Other aspects of physical therapy means learning how to maintain good posture, conserving energy by allowing rest before and after activity.
Occupational therapy can help you do everyday activities without worsening pain or causing joint damage. The techniques can help you distribute pressures to minimize stress on any one joint. Ways to accomplish daily living tasks are made easier.
