What is Arthritis?
The term "arthritis" literally means inflammation of the joint. However, practically arthritis refers to larget number of rheumatic diseases and conditions (over 100!) that cause joints to be painful, to be stiff and to swell. Muscles, bones, and some internal organs can also be affected by rheumatic diseases, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications to the arthritis-sufferer. Without appropriate arthritis treatments, rheumatoid diseases can cause irreversible damage to the bones and cartilege in the joints.
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Common Types of Arthritis
Arthritis Treatments Home |
Common Treatments for Arthritis
The intention of arthritis care is to suppress the activity of the arthritis and to reduce pain. Since the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, they will be the focus of this page. Osteoarthritis affects mainly the elderly, while rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease usually affects younger individuals.
Rheumatoid Treatments
Combinations of oral NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin (to reduce pain and swelling) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine, are used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. DMARDs, also called slow-acting drugs, slow inflammation and often alter the course of the disease. Traditionally, DMARDs were used only on patients who were not responsive to other therapies. However, now most doctors tend to use DMARDs earlier and more aggressively to depress the activity of the disease and limit damage to joints and internal organs.
Osteoarthritis Treatment
Traditional treatments for arthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If taken regularly at high doses, NSAIDs can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal system and/or ulcers. New NSAIDs, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, have recently been used, and cause far less GI issues, but are also successful in suppressing arthritis.
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