Arthritis treatment aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and prevent further joint damage. The approach to arthritis treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis, as well as individual patient factors. Here are some common treatment options for arthritis:

 

  1. Medications:

    • Pain Relievers (Analgesics): Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs like methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, or sulfasalazine are often prescribed to slow down the progression of inflammatory arthritis and reduce joint damage.
    • Biologic Response Modifiers: Biologic drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, target specific components of the immune system involved in inflammatory arthritis and can help reduce inflammation and joint damage.
    • Corticosteroids: Short-term use of corticosteroid medications, either orally or by injection into the affected joint, can provide rapid relief of inflammation and pain during flare-ups.

  2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint mobility, strength, and function through exercises, stretches, and manual techniques. A physical therapist can also recommend assistive devices, such as braces or splints, to support and protect affected joints.

  3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on teaching techniques and strategies to perform daily activities with less strain on the joints. Occupational therapists can provide adaptive equipment and recommend modifications to the home or workplace environment.

  4. Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding repetitive joint stress, and using proper body mechanics, can help manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall joint health.

  5. Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections or viscosupplementation injections (hyaluronic acid) directly into the affected joint can provide temporary relief of pain and inflammation, especially for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder.

  6. Surgery: In cases of severe joint damage or debilitating symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options may be considered. Joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) can relieve pain and restore function by replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial implants.

  7. Complementary Therapies: Some people find relief from arthritis symptoms through complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, dietary supplements (e.g., glucosamine and chondroitin), or herbal remedies. However, the effectiveness of these treatments may vary, and it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider before trying them.