Options For Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is a disease that is characterized by inflammation and pain at the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common. While the causative factors are different, the symptoms are very similar between the two. It is important for anyone diagnosed with this disease to understand all of the options available in Arthritis Treatment 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body turns on itself. The joints, being the leverage points in the body are the areas that show the most damage from the disease. This is a progressive disease for which there is no cure, however, many treatments are available to relieve the symptoms and/or put the disease into remission.

Osteoarthritis develops as a result of normal wear and tear on the body. Its onset can be hastened by certain types of injuries in one's younger years. As the joints wear down, bones begin to rub together and the body produces fluid to pad the affected areas. This buildup of fluid causes swelling and pain in the joints.

Among the first line of treatments for arthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Drugs in this class include ibuprofen, naproxen, celebrex, and others. These medications provide temporary relief by reducing swelling in the joints and by acting as anti-pyretics (fever reducers). Many individuals who suffer from arthritis in any form take NSAID drugs daily in order to function at anything approaching a normal level. This is a serious matter, as these drugs can have life-threatening or even fatal side effects.

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Corticosteroids are another class of drugs that help to reduce swelling and provide some pain relief. These medications are usually more powerful than NSAIDs and have options in how they are administered. Steroids can be taken orally or injected into the body. Certain ones, such as hydrocortisone can be injected directly into affected joints. Many sports stars perform with cortisone injections when they are carrying injuries and sometimes cause more damage as a result.

There are several new drugs being created now that show promise as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis by treating the immune system. These drugs are also being used as treatments for other autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis, which can lead to its own type of disabling arthritis.

One of the most important and least mentioned arthritis treatment options is exercise. When joints become arthritic, the old adage, "Use it or lose it, " becomes a hard and fast truth. Joints that are affected by arthritis must be exercised regularly to prevent them freezing up and becoming immobile. It is important that non-impact exercise such as cycling, swimming and gentle walking are used, to avoid making the problem worse.

As a last resort, patients with osteoarthritis may benefit from surgical treatments and joint replacements. In these operations, the arthritic joints are removed from the body and metallic or plastic replacements are inserted and matched to the bones to create an artificial joint that is less likely to suffer pain from swelling. This option is very much a last resort.

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