Arthritis Medication and Treatment Options

 Arthritis is a common issue for many people in the United States, especially for those over the age of 40. In fact, an estimated 52.5 million American adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis by their doctors, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicting this number to expand to 60 million Americans by 2030. One common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that typically targets the smaller joints of the body, such as in the hands and feet. The condition generally results in swollen and stiff joints due to chronic inflammation.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

One of the most common complaints regarding rheumatoid arthritis is pain. As an autoimmune disorder, arthritis attacks the tissues that line your joints. The body responds to this attack by increasing inflammation in the affected area. Chronic inflammation eventually results in bone erosion and joint deformation, but more immediate impacts are felt on the nerves. As inflammation develops, chemicals are released that stimulate nerve endings in the affected area resulting in nerve sensitivity. This sensitivity translates in the brain as pain. Pain can be controlled either by numbing the nerve cells or reducing the inflammation, or a mixture of both.

Medication and Physical Treatments

Arthritis treatments vary by case, but typically involve a mixture of medications and physical therapy. Physical therapy helps strengthen the affected joints as well as helps you maintain both flexibility and free movement. For pain, many physicians recommend over-the-counter medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which both reduce inflammation and help with pain. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications, such as prescription strength NSAIDs and steroids. In more severe cases, drugs that impact the immune system directly are prescribed, such as immune-suppressants, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and TNF-alpha inhibitors.

Topical Creams for Rheumatoid Arthritis

While various forms of prescription medications for arthritis come in pill form, you can also request prescription grade topical creams for easier application directly to the sites that are affected. Steroids in particular commonly come as a topical cream for easier application, and in most cases these topical creams are covered the same way as other prescription in your health insurance plan.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common condition, but left untreated it can result in serious complications, including an increased risk for carpal tunnel, osteoporosis and heart problems. If you suspect you're showing signs of arthritis, make an appointment with your primary care physicians.