Overview Of Arthritis Treatments
6/1/2016
Osteoarthritis
- The goal: Pain management and prevention of further joint damage
- Physical: Weight loss, exercise/physical therapy, alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and spa soaking
- Drug therapy: Topical, oral and injectable, Rx treatments often include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which decrease swelling and pain, steroids, or narcotics (opioids)
- Surgery: Arthroscopic surgery to replace damaged or painful joints
- Supplements: Calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are frequently marketed for osteoarthritis, but evidence is lacking in their effectiveness
RA And Autoimmune Forms Of Arthritis
- The goal: To achieve “remission,” or low disease activity, to reduce risk for further joint damage
- Drug therapy: DMARDs, or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (such as methotrexate), often prescribed in combination with NSAIDS or steroids
- Biologics: Complex injectable or infused medications (such as infliximab) made from living cells to target specific parts of the immune system
- Patient education: Patients need regular monitoring by a team of physicians, including a rheumatologist, occupational therapist, and primary care physician
Source: American College of Rheumatology