Treatment of Arthritis

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Everyone experiences arthritis in a different way, so individual advice on management and treatment is normally given. It is also important to start treatment as early as possible after symptoms begin in order to reduce further damage to joints and improve quality of life.

The treatment of arthritis usually involves a range of healthcare professionals which may include: your GP, arthritis specialist (rheumatologist), physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse specialist, dietitian, podiatrist, pharmacist and social worker.

Treatments for osteoarthritis:

Initial treatment usually involves the prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and the group of medicines called Cox II selective inhibitors. Research has linked the use of Cox-2 inhibitors to an increased risk of strokes, raised blood pressure, heart disease and heart attacks, so make your GP aware if you have a history of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or if you smoke. Your GP may suggest that you either cut down your use of Cox-2 inhibitors, or use an alternative painkiller.
To treat severe symptoms, corticosteroids are injected directly into the affected joint. This is not recommended on a long term basis because of serious side effects such as wasting away of tissue surrounding the joint.
Specific methods and exercises can be used to restore movement in the affected joints. Reducing weight on the joints will also help.
Surgery (arthroplasty) is also an option, although not all joints can be artificially replaced with synthetic joints. Other possible procedures might include realignment of the joint (osteotomy).
Other treatments include bracing or taping of the affected joint to realign them and reduce pain when they are moved.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis:

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis aim to control swelling and inflammation, limit damage to joints and relieve pain.
Medicines such as paracetamol or aspirin are used, but can have serious side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding when taken over long periods or in high doses.
More recently, new treatments have been developed, using disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which are believed to have fewer side effects.
Surgery can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, particularly joint replacement, providing this is possible with the particular joint affected.
Relaxation techniques and physiotherapy can be effective in treating types of arthritis that involves swelling of the joints.
Alternative techniques are being developed, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and low doses of orally administered corticosteroids.

Other therapies have also been used to treat arthritis, although not all have been clinically proven to be effective. They include:

acupuncture,
osteopathy,
chiropractics,
hydrotherapy,
electrotherapy
nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oil, and
herbal medicines.