Help with arthritis pain. RA-Treatment.

• Remarkable progress has been made in the field of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The common treatment includes medications and surgery in extreme scenarios.

• Medications: Medications aid rheumatoid arthritis patients by providing pain relief and slow progression into the disease. Medications recommended for rheumatoid arthritis are listed below in order of their preference:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDS consist of Aspirin and thus, ease pain. Over-the-counter as well as prescription medications are available for this purpose. Advil and Motrin are the most frequently used ones. The disadvantage of using NSAIDs is that they have side-effects like stomach bleeding and digestive issues. Fluid retention, high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attacks and strokes are also among the side-effects of NSAIDs.

• COX-2 Inhibitors: COX-2 inhibitors are relatively mild to the stomach and this is because they suppress the joint inflammation enzyme as opposed to NSAIDs that work to suppress COX-1 enzyme as well which protects the stomach lining. Common side-effects of COX-2 inhibitors include fluid retention and high blood pressure.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can help to reduce pain and inflammation but its effects can be noted in short term only. If used for extended periods, Corticosteroids can be responsible for serious side-effects. These include cataracts, diabetes and weight gain. Due to its characteristics, doctors prescribe Corticosteroids with the intention of providing relief to the acute symptoms and then gradually tightening the medication dose.

• Disease-modifying ant rheumatic drugs (DMARDs):DMARDS are prescribed so that joint damage in arthritis can be reduced. DMARDs should be taken in the early stages of the disorder so that massive damage of the joints and tissues can be avoided. DMARDs in association with NSAIDs and Corticosteroids can together prevent symptoms, relieve pain and limit the spread of rheumatoid arthritis. Common DMARDs include hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex).

• Immunosuppressant: Immunosuppressant aim to suppress the immune system which is acting contrary to its functions in the first place. Immunosuppressant is known to cause increased chances of infection. A few of the commonly used immunosuppressant are leflunomide (Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).

• TNF Blockers: TNF blockers are a class of DMARDs; these blockers block TNF which is an inflammatory agent in rheumatoid arthritis. TNF blockers have been seen to work as they have stopped rheumatoid arthritis from getting worse within two weeks of their use. The side-effects of TNF blockers are increased risk of infection and lymphoma (cancer!). Some TF blockers for rheumatoid arthritis are infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira).

• Interlukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra): Rheumatoid arthritis patients who don’t respond well to DMARDs are offered IL-1Ra. IL-1 is a cell protein that causes inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Anakirna is the first IL-1Ra that works to inhibit the inflammation by preventing IL-1 from binding to its receptor. Possible side-effects of Anakirna include headache, upper respiratory infections and decreased white blood cell counts.

• Abatacept (Orencia): Abatacept reduces inflammation and joint damage by deactivating a type of white blood cell called T-cell. This is given through IV into the arm. Side-effects include headache, mild infections, nausea etc.

• Rituximab (Rituxan): B-cells cause inflammation and Rituximab reduces the number of B-cells. Patients of rheumatoid arthritis who have felt no benefits from TNF blockers are prescribed Rituximab. Fever, flu-like symptoms, chills and nausea are the common side-effects.

• Antidepressant drugs: antidepressant drugs are often prescribed to rheumatoid arthritis patients as they tend to suffer from depression. Amitriptyline and nontriptyline are common antidepressant drugs.

• Surgical Procedures: In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, certain procedures are performed. This can include a new knee or hip see below.

• Joint Replacement Surgery: When medicines and therapies don’t provide the relief, joint replacement surgery is performed. This helps to reduce pain and restore the functions of the joint.