Arthritis - beware of ineffective drugs

Arthritis usually involves labor or physical therapy, special exercises, medication and sometimes surgery is needed to correct the damage to the joints. Treatment of osteoarthritis can sometimes help reduce pain and stiffness of the joints, but the disease can continue to progress. However, current methods of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis help to slow or stop the progression of joint damage in arthritis.

Traditional treatment

In the presence of localized pain, stiffness and immobility of joints using traditional integrated three-stage arthritis treatment: medication to reduce pain and inflammation, rest to repair damaged tissue and exercise to restore joint mobility.

Protecting joints

The ability to protect joints from further damage - an important part of arthritis treatment. Occupational therapy helps you learn easier ways to perform work and other daily activities, namely to reduce the stress on the joints; use the strongest joints and muscles, and to spare the weak; wear special frames or supports for certain joints; use handrails in the bath; use special door handles, canes, walkers, and other devices that can help you perform daily tasks, such as opening a jar, put on socks or tighten zipper on clothes. Your doctor may recommend pain medication in combination with rest, exercise, physical therapy and controlled application of deep heat to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints.

Drug treatment of arthritis

To reduce pain and inflammation in mild cases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, prescribe acetaminophen or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen.

In more complex cases, your doctor may recommend that intra-articular injections of corticosteroids (corticosteroids - a strong anti-inflammatory drugs) to alleviate the pain and reduce the stiffness of affected joints. The results of this treatment are unique and range from temporary relief to long-term suppression of symptoms. Doctors also used for intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronate - natural normal synovial fluid component that functions as a wetting agent), which help restore the tissue and lubricating properties (density) of the synovial fluid and thus cropped pain. Most often used for injection hyalgan, synvisc suparts, ortovisk and eufleks.

• In the early nineties, the researchers found that certain gold compounds taken orally or by injection, provide relief of symptoms of arthritis, and in some cases provide a complete remission.

However, it should be noted that because of side effects (from skin rashes to severe bleeding and renal dysfunction) treatment gold compounds should be treated with caution. This method is rarely used these days.

The preparations of the new generation have led to significant improvements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and these drugs are the most promising in terms of preserving joint function. These drugs include rheumatoid arthritis: methotrexate, Arava, azulfidin, Enbrel, azathioprine, Neoral, Plaquenil, Remicade, Humira, Kineret, Rituxan and Lorentz. The action of these drugs are based on suppression of an overactive immune system.

• Another common type of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is an apheresis - removal of blood plasma or formed elements.

Methods for treating arthritis in each case depend on the nature and severity of the disease. The main goal of treatment is the healing of the damaged area and preventing complications. Treatment of infectious arthritis typically includes intravenous administration of large doses of antibiotics and draining excess fluid joint.

Surgical treatment

Arthritis in some cases, carried out a variety of operations that help to reduce the discomfort of the patient, and restore mobility. Synovectomy - removal of damaged connective tissue of the joint - allows the body to generate new, healthy tissue. Most often this operation do with arthritis of the knee. In the case of acute arthritis of the neck or foot, the surgeon may remove part of the bone or splice them. Operation is definitely a negative impact on human mobility, however, it will save him from excruciating pain and prevent further damage to the nerves and blood vessels.

If arthritis pain becomes unbearable or joints completely unable to move, your doctor may recommend joint replacement patient to the prosthesis. Today prostheses made of stainless steel and plastic joints replaced hip, shoulder and elbow, knee and finger. This surgery can radically change the patient's life for the better, returning him freedom of movement.

Pain relief without drugs

In addition to a variety of drugs for arthritis, there are effective psychotherapeutic techniques that can help cope with the pain. Some experts believe that cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective means to relieve pain in patients suffering from arthritis than analgesics. This technique aims to improve the emotional state of the patient, its task - to teach a person to relax and perform their daily duties, given the characteristics of their disease, and without experiencing because of this excessive stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis . Overcoming Anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease?   and internal stress helps a person cope with the limitations imposed by arthritis.

Alternative Treatment

In the treatment of arthritis are successfully used a variety of alternative means, but many of them did not receive formal approval of experts, so before you apply any of them, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor.

While some experts believe that the supplements that include glucosamine and chondroitin also effectively relieve pain and inflammation, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), recent studies have shown that they are not very much good. It is generally recommended daily intake of 1500 mg of glucosamine and 1200mg chondroitin. Glucosamine can increase blood sugar Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health So you should consult with your doctor before taking it; especially if you have diabetes or an increased risk of developing the disease.

Antibiotic doxycycline may slow down progression of osteoarthritis, because it inhibits the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage. However, to confirm these data more research is needed.

Many doctors consider acupuncture an acceptable means of treatment of osteoarthritis, especially if the disease struck the knee joint. Studies show that acupuncture really helps to relieve the pain, can significantly reduce the patient's need for analgesics, and also increases the range of motion of the joints.

Homeopathy helps to eliminate the symptoms of arthritis such as pain, increased sensitivity of the joints, stiff joints - especially if you use it in combination with NSAIDs.

Fish oil reduces inflammation, and gradually helps to reduce the required dose of analgesics. A diet that restricts the intake of fat, contained in meat and dairy products, has similar effects. Patients are advised to take fish oil capsules and eat more oily sea fish, such as salmon and mackerel.

External application of curcumin helps to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. When taken orally in capsules of curcumin it eliminates stiff joints in the morning, and increases endurance.

In the early 20th century, scientists discovered that certain compounds containing gold, if taken orally or by injection, invoke significant improvement in some patients, and lead to the onset of complete remission - in others. Then, from this use of gold declined - mainly due to side effects, and because of the emergence of more effective drugs.

Home Treatment

Heat and rest - the traditional home remedies for the treatment of arthritis, most effectively eliminate pain and some other symptoms.

If you are overweight, you should lose weight to reduce stress on the joints. Consult a dietitian to create a meal plan that does not hurt.

Apply to the affected joints warmer or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Hot tub also good relieve pain and eliminate the stiffness of the joints. Regular exercise is extremely important that the joints were moving. Your doctor may recommend a safe exercise. Follow them as often as possible, and try to move more; if completely cure arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications   it does not help to prevent the loss of ability to work with these measures it is possible.