Rheumatoid Arthritis Cures

Arthritis is a broad medical term which means joint inflammation. Arthritis is further classified into three according to their etiologic factors or its cause and its pathogenesis. It is categorized as the following: Osteoarthritis, Gouty arthritis, and Rheumatoid arthritis. Treatments and remedies for arthritis depend on what type of arthritis that you have.

Pain in OA (osteoarthritis) is managed by topical pain relievers like Ben-Gay. Pain can also be managed by NSAIDs (aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, celcoxib) and opiod analgesics (tramadol). Physicians prescribe corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to manage the inflammation. If OA is in its severe form surgical treatment can be performed. The most common surgery performed to treat OA is arthroplasty. Other surgeries are arthroscopic lavage and debridement, osteotomy, and arthrodesis.

Since gouty arthritis is a metabolic form of arthritis that is caused by the build up of uric acid crystals in the articular surface of the joints, uric acid inhibitors are prescribed aside from analgesics. Allopurinol, a xanthine-oxidase inhibitor, inhibits uric acid production. Uricosurics are also used to excrete excess uric acid through the urine. Probenecid and Sulfinpyrazone are examples of uricosurics. Sulfinpyrazone should not be used in patients with renal impairment. Sodium bicarbonate can help in counteracting uric acid by increasing blood pH.

Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with a group of drug called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). It consists of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), auranofin (Ridaura), sulfasalazine, (Azufidine), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), and Tissue Necrotic Factor blockers/ TNF blockers like etanercept (Enreb). The desired effects of DMARDs manifests slowly and may take weeks to months. Corticosteroids are used to relieve acute symptoms, with the goal of gradually tapering off the medication. NSAIDs, although not as potent as corticosteroids in managing acute symptoms, are safer to use in regular basis. It manages both pain and inflammation. Modern treatments for RA are also utilized to treat the underlying problem of RA like the Prosorba Column. It is a blood-filtering technique that removes certain antibodies that contribute to the pain and inflammation in the joints. It is performed once a week for twelve weeks as an OPD procedure. Radon therapy, which is popular in Europe, involves inhalation of radon or going to radioactive water baths is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Home remedies for any form of arthritis are easier to remember and do because most remedies for a type of arthritis may also be applicable to another type of arthritis. One of these remedies is the application of cold compress during pain attacks. A home remedy often advised by physicians to any form of arthritis is the maintenance of ideal body weight or weight loss. Low impact and regular exercises like swimming and walking are proven effective remedies as well. Complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage are also good to alleviate pain. Prevention of contractures or flexion deformity can be done at home by using foot boards or pillows. Pain in GA is best managed by contrast hydrotherapy. It involves a warm compress for 3 minutes, 30 seconds of cold compress which is done for no more than 2 minutes and then ending with a cold compress. As much as diet is concerned; only GA or gouty arthritis requires special consideration. GA patients are advised to lower their intake of high-protein foods like organ meats. They are also recommended to avoid anchovies, herring, and mackerel.

Patients with any form of arthritis are advised to watch for symptoms and any developments in their condition. You are also advised to ask your physician about the side effects of the treatments mentioned above so that early recognition of which can be reported and treated promptly. Remember; home remedies do not work unless they are done on a regular basis and they are not followed religiously. It may take some time, effort, and patience to see results.