Arthritis is characterized by one or more joints that are swollen and painful. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint stiffness and pain, which typically worsen with age. The two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In osteoarthritis, the smooth, firm substance called cartilage, which covers the ends of bones where they form joints, breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of the joints.
Find relief from pain and reclaim your life with our pain management services. We specialize in interventional pain procedures, regenerative medicine, and musculoskeletal medicine.
Rely on us for effective solutions to your back, neck, and joint pain. Let’s work together toward a pain-free future!
The type of arthritis being treated dictates the medications used. Common drugs for arthritis include:
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Examples include naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). While effective, stronger NSAIDs can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. They can also be applied topically as gels or lotions.
Capsaicin and Menthol: Some lotions and ointments contain capsaicin (the substance that gives hot peppers their heat) or menthol. Applying these products to the painful area may help block pain signals from the joint.
Steroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can alleviate pain and inflammation while slowing joint damage. These can be injected directly into the joint or taken orally as tablets. Possible side effects include diabetes, weight gain, and bone weakening.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications help prevent irreversible joint and tissue damage by slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to traditional DMARDs, there are targeted synthetic DMARDs and biologic drugs. Most DMARDs increase the risk of infections, and side effects can vary.
Certain types of arthritis can benefit from physical therapy. Exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve range of motion. In some cases, braces or splints may be required.
Doctors might suggest surgery if conservative treatments are ineffective. This could include:
Joint Restoration: Sometimes, joint surfaces are straightened or smoothed to reduce discomfort and improve function. These procedures are often done arthroscopically, which involves making small incisions around the joint.
Joint Replacement: This procedure involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one. The knees and hips are the most commonly replaced joints.
Joint Fusion: This treatment is commonly used for smaller joints such as the wrist, ankle, and fingers. The ends of the bones in the joint are removed and then fused together until the joint heals into a single, rigid unit.
Experience convenient and timely access to our services to minimize disruptions to your daily life.
Designed and Developed by Sajawal Javaid