The Ultimate Guide to Arthritis

3. Treatment options for arthritis

Arthritis treatment focuses on symptom relief and improving joint function. Multiple treatment options are available, including:

• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. NSAIDs are also available as topical creams that can be rubbed directly on the affected joints.
• Steroids. Steroids can reduce inflammation, lessen pain, and slow joint damage. Corticosteroids can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected joint.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications are for people with rheumatoid arthritis and may help prevent permanent damage.
• Counterirritants. These ointments and creams contain menthol or capsaicin. When rubbed directly onto the affected joint, these ingredients can interfere with pain signals and bring some relief.
• Physical therapy. Some types of arthritis can benefit from physical therapy. PT exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve the range of motion.
• Surgery. When other interventions are unsuccessful, doctors may recommend surgery. Joint repair is a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery that smooths and realigns the joint surfaces. Another option is joint replacement, which is when a surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. This type of procedure is usually done on the knees and hips. Another option is joint fusion, often used for smaller joints like the angle, wrists, and fingers. In this procedure, the ends of the bones in the joint are removed, and the bones are fused into a single, rigid unit.

Each type of arthritis is different. Talk to your doctor about treatment options and what may be the right approach for you.