Joints Pain (ARTHRITIS)

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of
your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis
are joint pain and stiffness, which typically
worsen with age. The most common types
of arthritis are osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes cartilage -the hard,
slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones
where they form a joint -to break down.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune
disorder that first targets the lining of joints
Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying
disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can
cause other types of arthritis.

Treatments vary depending on the type of
arthritis. The main goals of arthritis
treatments are to reduce symptoms and
improve quality of life.

SYMPTOMS

The most common signs and symptoms of
arthritis involve the joints. Depending on the
type of arthritis you have, your signs and
symptoms may include:

1. Pain
2. Stiffness
3. Swelling
   4.Redness
4. Decreased range of motion

Medications

The medications used to treat arthritis vary
depending on the type of arthritis.
Commonly used arthritis medications
include:

1. Analgesics. These types of medications
   help reduce pain, but have no effect on
   inflammation. Examples include
   acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), tramadol
   (Ultram, others) and narcotics containing
   oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin, others) or
   hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, others).

-- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs). NSAIDs reduce both pain and
inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs
include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Some types of
NSAIDs are available only by prescription.
Oral NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation,
and some may increase your risk of heart
attack or stroke. Some NSAIDs are also
available as creams or gels, which can be
rubbed on joints.

1. Counterirritants. Some varieties of
   Creams and ointments contain menthol or
   capsaicin, the ingredient that makes hot
   peppers spicy. Rubbing these preparations
   on the skin over your aching joint may
   interfere with the transmission of pain
   signals from the joint itself.

2. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
   (DMARDs). Often used to treat rheumatoid
   arthritis, DMARDs slow or stop your immune
   system from attacking your joints. Examples
   include methotrexate (Trexall) and
   hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).

3. Biologics. Typically used in conjunction
   with DMARDs, biologic response modifiers
   are genetically engineered drugs that target
   various protein molecules that are involved
   in the immune response. Examples include
   etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab
   (Remicade).

4. Corticosteroids. This class of drug, which
   includes prednisone and cortisone, reduces
   inflammation and suppresses the immune
   system. Corticosteroids can be taken orally
   or be injected directly into the painful joint.