Medications Available For Arthritis Pain

By Roberta Smith


Arthritis refers to a disorder of the joints that may affect one or multiple joints. Human beings and animals suffer from various types of this disease. The main distinguishing feature of the disease is excessive pain in joints and surrounding regions. Many people in the whole world are affected by arthritis pain and it affects the quality of life negatively. Elderly and middle-aged people are affected more than other age groups.

Generally, there are more than 100 varieties of this disease in existence today. Major types are gout, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, septic, and juvenile idiopathic. Most people suffer from the osteoarthritis variety. Arthritis occurs as the primary cause of aching in joints in many cases. However, it also occurs as a secondary cause with some other disease being the major cause of discomfort. Celiac disease, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, psoriasis, hepatitis, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythematous, wipple disease, and familial Mediterranean fever are some example of diseases that may occur as the primary causes of aching in joints.

Statistics indicate that there was a 45 percent increase in disability caused by musculoskeletal disorders within the period between 1990 and 2010. Osteoarthritis was found to be the fastest growing cause of disability of all the disorders. Data from Africa was not conclusive and was hugely underestimated. The huge increase in disabilities was attributed to several different factors.

This medical condition has several symptoms by which it can be detected. The symptoms may vary slightly among the various types that have been noticed so far. However, pain remains to be a common symptom in all types of arthritis. Other common symptoms are stiffness, swelling and aching of joints. Some varieties of the disease affect other organs in the body resulting in various symptoms.

In addition to the abovementioned symptoms, patients lose mobility due to stiffness and they often feel very fatigued. They experience pains and aches around joints, have poor sleep, and lose weight. The affected areas develop tenderness and inflammation. As advancement of the condition continues, secondary symptoms become manifest. For instance, loss of mobility causes inflexibility, reduced aerobic fitness, and weakness in muscles.

Diagnosis is performed by a qualified health practitioner through clinical examination. Other diagnostic tests such as blood tests and radiology may be used together with the examination to ascertain the variety one is suffering from. Diagnosis relies on the type. The history of the disease also forms a strong basis for diagnosis.

Formulation of treatment plans is usually dependent on diagnostic results. The specific type of arthritis one is suffering from must be determined first before treatment is decided. This is because treatment varies with the type. Treatment options commonly used include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and orthopedic bracing. Joint replacement surgery is usually an option in varieties that erode joints.

Medications that reduce inflammation help to relieve pain. Besides relieving pains, reduction in inflammation also slows the rate at which joint damage occurs. In some varieties, pain may be relieved by taking a shower or mild exercise. No known cure has been found for Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.




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