Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, tendons and other tissues. Arthritis mainly affects older people, though children can get arthritis as well. Managing arthritis involves finding the right treatment that will work best for your arthritis symptoms. There are many types of arthritis treatment and specialised nursing protocols, and you may need to try a combination of different arthritis treatments to find the arthritis medication that works best for you.

Arthritis medication usually focuses on reducing joint inflammation and easing pain. You might have to try a variety of different medications, or a combination of different medications, before you find what works for you. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescription arthritis medications that stop arthritis symptoms in their tracks. They stop inflammation and pain by reducing the ability of certain cells to trigger arthritis symptoms. Certain arthritis drugs interfere with normal immune function, which can lead to other health problems.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are popular arthritis treatments for people suffering from mild to moderate arthritis symptoms. There are many people who prefer to take these drugs because they are not addictive. The side effects of these drugs can be quite severe if not monitored. They have also been shown to slow down the progression of arthritis and lower bone pain and stiffness, but do not relieve arthritis symptoms by themselves. It is important to remember that arthritis symptoms might be relieved by one single anti-inflammatory drug, but if taken in conjunction with another drug or arthritis treatment, the effects might be additive.

Dr Shaun Segal