How to Choose the Best Treatment Option for Arthritis

by Dave A. OZ Professional Writer

Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is beneficial since therapies are more likely to be effective and harm is less likely. According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), the best strategy to accomplish outcomes is to combine newer biologic drugs with more aggressive doses of older treatments. 1,2 This combination helps to regulate disease activity and joint inflammation, reduce joint erosion and damage, enhance RA patients' quality of life, and reduce co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease, which are linked to chronic inflammation.

Nonetheless, therapy options might be difficult to make because there are so many variables to consider. Patients are more likely to comply with therapy if they are included in the decision-making process, hence rheumatologists should make the best Arthritis treatment in Kenya decisions with their patients.

Treatment Options

One of the key aims of arthritis treatment is pain management, and most healthcare practitioners advocate starting with over-the-counter solutions. The following are some of the most commonly recommended treatments:
Although Tylenol (acetaminophen) has fewer adverse effects than other OTC drugs, it does not assist to relieve inflammation. Take no more than 4,000 milligrammes (mg) per day; there isn't much of a difference between a therapeutic dose and a hazardous amount that can permanently harm your liver.
For pain management, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Bayer (aspirin), Motrin (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen) can be utilised. If you're taking a lot of them or using them for a long time, you should talk to your doctor about it and have your side effects checked.

best Arthritis treatment in Kenya

Another approach is to use topical skin creams. NSAIDs are found in several creams. Capsaicin, the natural component that makes peppers fiery, is found in Zostrix (capsaicin/menthol) skin lotion.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is another option for pain alleviation. While some units are accessible over-the-counter, some may require a prescription and/or insurance coverage.

Analgesics are pain relievers (Pain Medications)

Analgesics are pain relievers that don't work through reducing inflammation. The most often used analgesic is acetaminophen, which may be found in certain prescription drugs. For more severe pain, narcotic analgesics may be administered. Drowsiness, nausea, constipation, unusually shallow breathing, and euphoria are all possible side effects. These effects are more common in older persons. Drug tolerance, dependency, addiction, and withdrawal are all possible side effects. Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen/codeine), OxyContin (oxycodone), Percodan (oxycodone/aspirin), Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), and others are examples of narcotics.

Final Thoughts

According to research, eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A good diet can help you lose weight, which relieves tension and strain on your joints. Gout, a kind of metabolic arthritis, can be controlled by avoiding purines (such as alcohol and shellfish), which can cause flare-ups.

Source: Tips & Techniques for Managing Arthritis