Arthritis Pain Medications Facts

Did you know that there are more than 100 different arthritis pain medications? The reason being is there are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common include Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and Juvenile arthritis.

Arthritis pain medications are classified into eight categories. They include:

Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Biological Response Modifiers (BRM)
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD)
Fibromyalgia Medications
Glucorticoids (Cortisone related medications)
Gout medications
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
Osteoporosis Medications

Analgesics are the most common form of arthritis pain medication. Most are available over-the-counter and do not require a prescription. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Analgesics that require a prescription include oxycodone, propoxyphene, and codeine. Prescription analgesics can become habit-forming, so be certain to adhere to the dosage prescribed by your physician.

Biological Response Modifiers are substances that modify the body's response to infection and disease. BRMs are sometimes used to treat severe forms of arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Depending on the severity of the symptoms, BRM therapy may require patients to stay in the hospital during treatment. Side effects of BRM therapy include flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and body aches.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs are used to slow the progression of joint destruction and deformity and are generally prescribed to patients who suffer from aggressive forms of arthritis. DMARDs are typically used for long periods of time and may require dosage alterations. Side effects of DMARDs include upset stomach, skin rashes, muscle weakness, and vision changes.

Arthritis Exercises

Oftentimes people with arthritis find it challenging to perform certain types of exercise. Due to inflammation in the joints it can be difficult to perform traditional types of exercise, such as walking or lifting weights.

Typically, when you are diagnosed with arthritis your healthcare practitioner will provide you with a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan that includes various types of arthritis exercises. This plan will also include any dietary restrictions and inform you of the various types of food known to reduce arthritis pain. Generally, this arthritis treatment plan will also include a list of foods known to aggravate arthritis symptoms such as red meat, dairy products, food additives, and processed foods.

Some of the most popular arthritis exercises include yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, weight training and muscle strengthening, range-of-motion exercises such as dance, and aerobic and endurance exercises such as cycling.

Before embarking on any type of arthritis exercise program it's best to consult with your healthcare practitioner to be certain the form of exercise you choose will not further aggravate your arthritis symptoms.

Nowadays, most of the major insurance companies provide their members with discounts to health clubs. Some even offer discounts on health products such as exercise videos and dietary supplements. Oftentimes policyholders are not aware of these discounts, so be certain to check with your insurance carrier to see if they offer these types of discounts.

In addition, many health clubs offer up to a 50 percent discount to certain insurance members. The majority of these clubs offer private sessions with a qualified exercise trainer. Many of these trainers are well-versed in helping clients develop an arthritis exercise program suited to their needs. Typically, the cost of a personal trainer is not covered and will be an out-of-pocket expense.

Another option is to look into joining your local YMCA or YWCA. Oftentimes, these organizations offer water aerobics, which has shown to be effective in decreasing arthritis pain. Water aerobics is a very gentle form of exercise and can be performed by nearly everyone. It involves sitting in a shallow pool and conducting gentle resistance exercises.

Regardless of the type of arthritis exercise program you choose, it's important to apply heat to sore joints to help warm them up and allow them to become more flexible prior to exercise. Heat is typically applied for 5 to 15 minutes.

After applying heat, you will want to perform gentle stretching exercises before and after the routine. Upon completion of the work-out, apply cold packs to sore joints to help reduce inflammation.

It's important to choose an exercise program that you enjoy and one that does not cause you intense pain. If you dislike the form of exercise or if it causes an increase in pain, chances are you will not stick with the program.

Fibromyalgia medications are basically anti-depressants that affect neurotransmitters, the chemical transmitters within the brain. These medications are usually most effective when combined with other treatment programs such as stress reduction, regular exercise and certain dietary changes.

Glucorticoids are medications that include cortisone and related drugs. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes.

Gout medications are typically prescribed in combination with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Gout medications are used to treat gout (also called metabolic arthritis), a form of arthritis caused by a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs are commonly prescribed medications to reduce the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendonitis and bursitis. Some of the more common NSAIDs include asprin, Motrin, Advil and Ecotrin. The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to the gastrointestinal system and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and upset stomach.

Osteoporosis medications can help slow down the progression of bone loss. Common osteoporosis medications include Actonel, Boniva, Evista and Fosamax. Side effects of osteoporosis medications include upset stomach or pain, constipation, diarrhea, muscle aches and headache.

Inflammatory Arthritis

Dog Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis Pain Relief

Arthritis Exercises

Arthritis Diet

Arthritis Foundation

Common Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis Pain Medications

Arthritis Symptoms

Degenerative Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis

Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis Pain Medications

Arthritis Tips Site Map

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