Treatment for Arthritis – Gain a Better Understanding
Understand Rheumatoid Arthritis and Arthritis in general.
For us to better understand the treatment for arthritis, we must first know what Arthritis really is, its symptoms, together with the different forms of this condition. First off, the term Arthritis originated from the Greek word “arthros,” which means joints, and “itis,” which means inflammation.
It is a condition where one or more joints get inflamed, resulting in the limitation of range of motion, joint and soft tissue swelling and joint pain and stiffness.
The most common types of Arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis or OA
- Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis or JRA
- Gouty arthritis.
The most common complaint by people who are suffering from these conditions is the joint pain that is caused by the inflammation surrounding the affected joints.
Different Types of Treatment for Arthritis
With the advancement in science and technology, as well as through the multiple research and studies done by many medical institutions and facilities, the cure and treatment for Arthritis is being constantly developed and improved.
There are many treatment options that a doctor could choose from in order reduce the pain and discomfort brought about by this condition. Arthritis Treatment options can also be geared towards the prevention of the other debilitating consequences that this condition can cause.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
The most common treatment for arthritis used by many is the intake of medications as prescribed by their primary treating physician or those that can be bought over-the-counter. However, just like any other medications, most drugs used in the treatment of arthritis could have serious side effects; thus, a lot of physicians prescribe their patients with medication that have minimal adverse and unwanted side effects.
The medications used as part of the treatment regime for arthritis includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium; or Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone.
Combining Treatment for Arthritis
In combination with the prescription of medications, many physicians advise their patients to have lifestyle modifications, especially with regards to the food they eat and their daily exercise routine. At times, a referral to a board certified Nutritionist would be recommended.
The Nutritionist would then determine and develop a daily diet program suitable for the patient’s condition. Depending on the extent of the patient’s condition, they may also be referred to a physical or occupational therapist as part of the treatment for arthritis.
- A physical therapist will be their partner in terms of the maintenance of their fitness level, as well as the function of their joints and strengthening of their muscles, through the application of therapeutic exercises, use of modalities, or hydrotherapy.
- The occupational therapist, on the other hand, will provide them with helpful techniques on how to accomplish their activities of daily living without causing too much impact on the affected joints. However, in the event that these conservative treatment options may fail in preventing or slowing the progression of the arthritis, the patient’s primary treating physician may advise them to undergo surgery.
Types of Surgery as Treatment for Arthritis
The most suitable type of surgery would be determined by the doctor through a series of tests and diagnostic studies, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scan of the specific joints. The doctors always make it a point to explain to the patients the risks and the benefits of the proposed surgery as treatment for arthritis.
Nonetheless, studies have shown that surgery had been very beneficial for many patients in terms of the restoration of joint function and the correction of deformities. A few of the surgical options include arthroplasty or total joint replacement, Tendon repair, synovectomy or the removal of the joint lining, or Joint fusion (arthrodesis).
Prevention – The Best Treatment for Arthritis
If you have a family history of being prone to this condition, you can inform your primary treating physician about this, so he can make the proper assessment of your joints to determine if you are susceptible to such a debilitating condition.
In that way, you can be advised as to what to do and what to avoid to being free from arthritis. Like so many other medical conditions, if the condition can be prevented, this is the best treatment for arthritis.