Arthritis treatments and medications all depend on the types of arthritis that someone has. For example - Rheumatoid Arthritis is treated for the pain and the symptoms brought about by the immune system attacking joints, however it is incurable.
In Osteoarthritis the damage is nearly irreversible and treatment consists of pain management, and coping management to deal with the limited mobility and perhaps improve mobility. However, joints, such as knees and hips, can be replaced should they become too painful to use and unable to function which can in many cases relieve the pain completely from that joint.
In Psoriatic Arthritis treatment is also inflammation and pain management. Septic Arthritis differs in treatment from all of these as it is treated with therapy using antibiotics and a washout of the joint. Gout is also a form of arthritis with many different treatment options considering it is a uric acid disorder. We will focus on the most common form in this article - Osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Treatments for osteoarthritis primarily focus on coping first and foremost. This means weight control, rest, and exercising of the afflicted joints. One of the common compounding features of having osteoarthritis is muscular atrophy from lack of use, which then compounds the condition even more. Swimming and walking is a good measure to keep joints lubricated and active during arthritis treatment programs, along with applying heat before and cold after exertion for long periods of time. Joint exercises can also increase functionality of afflicted joints and lead to a prolonged usage time, and improve flexibility while reducing pain; it is considered one of the more effective arthritis treatments at a minimal cost. Dietary concerns are also present with several supplements being shown to improve condition and provide pain relief - Vitamins C and E along with Glucosamine relieve pain and could delay symptoms. Pain management is carried out through pain killers and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).