All you need to know about arthritis treatment

Arthritis can cause extreme pain in joints and the muscles. The treatment of arthritis mainly focuses on reducing the pain and preventing more bone damage. As there is no permanent treatment for it, you need to take steps to increase mobility and maintain the quality of life. 

The term “arthritis” refers to more than a hundred conditions that affect the joints and the muscles around them. As they are considered as degenerative conditions, which indicates that the symptoms may get worse overtime. 

There are many types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common forms among them. While rheumatoid arthritis develops due to an overactive immune system, osteoarthritis may develop due to excessive stress on the joints. 

Intense pain, swelling and redness are the primary symptoms of arthritis. However, the symptoms as well as treatment depends on the type of arthritis you have. If you are having arthritis symptoms then your healthcare adviser will suggest going for an arthritis profile test. An arthritis profile blood test helps to detect the presence of certain proteins in your body. Get an arthritis profile test price is affordable, and you can avail free home sample collection. 

How is arthritis treated? 

Doctors generally suggest medications to reduce the severity of the symptoms and to prevent further bone damage. The commonly suggested medicines include: 

• Analgesics: Although these medications do not help in reducing the inflammation, it helps to reduce the pain. 

• Biologics: These drugs are genetically made, which targets the protein molecules that are involved in the immune response. 

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are used to reduce the inflammation. 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications help in reducing both in Inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are available in gels, creams and patches which can be used on specific joints. 

• Counterirritants: These medications come in the form of creams and gels which contain menthol and capsaicin. These ingredients give cooling and a hot sensation on the joints to lessen pain. 

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: These medications are suggested to specifically treat rheumatoid arthritis. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs help to stop the immune system from attacking the healthy joints.        

3 natural ways to lessen the pain: 

• Follow a Healthy diet: Following a healthy diet that helps to reduce inflammation is very important. Try to have a diet that contains proper portions of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, nuts and seeds. Following a mediterranean diet can also be very helpful. Try to avoid processed foods if you are suffering from arthritis. 

• Physical therapy: Doctors generally recommend going for physical therapy to improve your mobility. There is also another type of physical therapy, such as occupational therapy. Although these therapies are intended to reduce the pain, people may find difficulties and pain at the beginning of the sessions which will lessen overtime. You can also do joint friendly exercise like walking, cycling, and swimming. 

• Herbal medicines: Some studies have found that certain natural ingredients can reduce inflammation and pain of arthritis. Turmeric, ginger, chamomile, Devil’s claw and boswellia can help in reducing the inflammation. 

Getting a massage may help to give temporary relief from the pain. Also if you are willing to use herbal medicines, make sure to buy from a trustable source and check the ingredients.