Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which usually produces many symptoms, like inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. Fortunately, certain medications can be used to treat arthritis pain. Your doctor will prescribe the proper medicines for your medications after checking. So it’s essential to know which medications used to treat arthritis pain as well as their side effects.
Which Medications Used to Treat Arthritis Pain
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Acetaminophen
It’s the common OTC medication for arthritis pain and sold under the brand name Tylenol. This medicine doesn’t cause side effects if you take correct dosages as directed. But taking it too much can cause liver damage.
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NSAIDs
NSAIDs are usually used to treat arthritis pain and other diseases, such as lupus, or fibromyalgia. The medicines are helpful to alleviate pain, swelling, inflammation, and reduce fever. But be careful with the side effects while taking them too much. The potential side effects include
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
- Bleeding in the digestive system
- Kidney damage
- Ulcers in your stomach
NSAIDs are available by both OTC medicines and prescription. OTC medications can include
- Aspirin
- Naproxen
- Ibuprofen
Prescription NSAIDs consist
- Celebrex
- Vioxx
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Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are prescribed to treat many autoimmune diseases, like arthritis, lupus. They work for the immune system to reduce inflammation and swelling. Also, they are useful for treating inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. The medications aren’t available OTC, but they’re prescribed by your doctor. Entocort, Medrol, Deltasone are brand names of corticosteroids. While taking them, you should note several side effects, such as
- Stomachache or nausea
- Bone weakness
- Cataracts
- Increased risks of infections and blood pressure
Related: How Corticosteroids Affect Emotional Health of Lupus Patients
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DMARDs
DMARDs can be known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. They help to relieve the pain of arthritis and many other conditions. The medications include
- Plaquenil
- Trexall and Rheumatrex
- Cuprimine
By managing abnormal immune system reactions, these drugs ease arthritis pain and other symptoms.
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Biologic Medicines
They are some newest arthritis medicines available for rheumatoid arthritis. Several common drugs are
- Enbrel
- Rituxan
- Remicade
- Humira
Besides, be careful with side effects, like
- Fatigue
- Increased risk of infections
- Flu-like symptoms
Other Ways to Get Relief From Arthritis Pain
Apart from medications, natural remedies and your lifestyles are beneficial in treating arthritis pain. The pain gets relief fast if you combine both medications and other natural remedies. Take a look at the following natural remedies
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Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy gives different changes for arthritis pain. Long and warm baths in the morning help soothe stiffness in the joints. And cold therapy can effective in relieving swelling, joint pain, and inflammation.
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Exercise Regularly
Exercise gives more benefits than only weight loss. For those who develop arthritis pain, exercise can help to hold flexibility in your joints. But you should avoid high-impact exercise like walking and running as that can be harmful. Instead, try to begin with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or aqua therapy.
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Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy to ease arthritis pain. By inserting thin needles into specific points on your body, it can restore energy and balance on the body. Thank to that, your arthritis pain can be relieved. If you want to try acupuncture, make sure that you find a licensed acupuncturist.
Related: What Are Alternative Methods to Manage Pain of Lupus Disease?
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Lose Weight
Your weight can have a big impact on arthritis pain. Weight gain puts more pressure on your joints, especially the knees, feet, and hips. Thus, an ideal weight will help release stress on your joint, reduce pain, and prevent future damage.
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Get a Massage
Regular massages can reduce stiffness and arthritis pain. Also, getting a massage helps to improve your range of movement. You should work with a physical therapist to get a massage or learn self-massage.
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Increase Health Fatty Acid to Your Diet
The omega-3 fatty acid is healthy fatty acid that can work for your arthritis. Some fish oil supplements, like omega-3s have been proven to ease joint pain and stiffness. You can increase gamma-linolenic acid in your diet as it’s also effective for relieving arthritis pain.
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Consider Supplement
There’re many kinds of supplements that claim to reduce joint pain. Most of them are herbal supplements, like
- Boswellia
- Bromelain
- Ginkgo
- Thunder god vine
- LupuFree
You should talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to avoid side effects. And be sure to buy form reputable places.
Arthritis is usually present as inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. But these symptoms can be relieved by medications. Knowing the medications used to treat arthritis pain can help you to avoid potential side effects. Besides, you can relieve arthritis pain by applying natural remedies.