Arthritis Questions

There are various medications or a combination of them that can be used to provide relief from the pain which one experiences during arthritis. One such type of drug will naturally be an analgesic which is essentially a painkiller. These will provide relief from pain but will not do much about the inflammation; these are helpful if you are allergic to aspirin or have an ulcer. Acetaminophen is one such analgesic which can give temporary relief from the pain which at times can be excruciating during arthritis. This however does not reduce the swelling. This can be bought over the counter (without the need for a doctors prescription). Tramadol is another such drug. Sometimes, narcotic pain relievers are used for patients with severe arthritis when all other medications have not provided relief.

Arthritis medications like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are commonly known as NSAIDs do help in reducing pain of joints, stiffness and the swelling which occurs. They also cut down on the production of prostaglandins which are substances found in the human body which send messages of pain to the brain. Examples of NSAIDs will include the common aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Other NSAIDs are available only through a doctors prescription. One side effect of using such drugs is that they can cause a stomach upset. There is a serious possibility of cardiovascular side effects also.

Glucocorticoids are drugs which are connected to the natural hormone which is already present in the human body which is called cortisol. Scientists have developed synthetic forms of cortisone which can be consumed either by way of oils or in injection form which will go directly into joints or other tissues where the pain is occurring. These medications do assist in relieving or reducing arthritis pain by reducing the swelling and inflammation in that area. Glucocorticoid injections need to be carefully taken and monitored. Side effects can occur if one takes such injections on a regular basis and too frequently.

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often used to control inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. While their main purpose will be to lessen inflammation, slow down and suppress the body immune system, these medications can also lessen the pain which is what arthritis patients having. These drugs could take a fair amount of time (several weeks or months) before the effects begin to show. Examples of DMARDs would be: methotreaxate, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, azulfidine and lefunomide.

Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) also referred to as biologic agents are used with the purpose of suppressing the inflammation which occurs during arthritis. Four BRMs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Enbrel (etanercept, adalimumab (Humira), anakinra (Kineret) and infliximib (Remicade) two others are being studied and these are abatacept and rituximab.

By: Robert Grazian

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R B asked:


I saw a documentary on allergies in which a doctor mentions that tomatoes can help lessen allergy symptoms but, “a substance in tomatoes can accumulate and cause joint stiffness.” I had never heard of this before.

Teresa S asked:


I have been told that there is an underlying problem to this disease such as the possiblity of Cancer. Is RA a seperate disease or does it stem from more seriouse health problems? I was also wondering if anyone has been to a Rheumatoligist and if so, what are some of the treatments that they use and do you feel as though it has helped? Thanks in advance for responding!

expertvillage asked:

How to relieve arthritis pain in the hip with range of motion exercisetreatments; get expert tips and advice on treating pain caused by arthritis in this free personal health video. Expert: Monica Paradise Bio: Monica Paradise teaches physical therapy and massage at Industrial Hand and Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ. She will receive a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University. Filmmaker: Eric Johnston

ResearchChannel asked:

Amy Ladd, professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Stanford University Medical Center, discusses arthritis, tips for living with it and when its the right time to visit a hand surgeon. Beyond its painful and disfiguring aspects, arthritis can affect the use of the fingers and hands, two of the most vital functions for everyday living.

Tabor asked:


I saw a new drug advertised….no need for a prescription…a new type of Chondritin joint pain reliever…what is your opinion…what has helped you?

I was on an Arthritis medicine which led to continuos high bp…so I take nothing at the moment except Glocosamine/chondritin.

Oh I probably do not mean arthritis – prevention…I mean pain relief…thanks so much…
osteoarthritis…. found it when I was in an auto accident the Nuero surgeon pointed out the problem in my neck. Anyway..today is one of my “I can’t move my neck days”…have been so well for 6 months and will make it through. thanks all.
Thank you for the email. The surgeon said it was up to me if I was in too much pain or not…the surgery was my choice so I said no…besides the auto insurance co. was going to fight not to pay…so who wants a 50k bill…I can still live with this pain…well except for today..ha

piperdoodle asked:


I know the obvious choice is x-rays and a vet visit, but I’m not exactly wealthy. She’s 3 years old, and she had FHO surgery on one hip at 6 months old. She just doesn’t run as much as she used to, so I’m concerned.

debhas5 asked:


I have osteoarthritis. I know I should be taking this, but am unsure how much to take. Also, I heard that what is out there is almost considered “fake” or water downed. How can I be sure I’m getting pure glucosomine and chondroiton? Thanks everyone!

Roland asked:


My sister has this and she feels that she needs to excercise. Any safe suggestions?