Arthritis Knee Pain

 Medications for Arthritis leg pain have come a long way in recent years.  Whilst Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, it can be well managed.  Treatment plans include ways to reduce pain, maintain joint and muscle function and manage the tasks of daily living.  Rheumatoid Arthritis management programs aim to prevent or limit joint damage and maintain quality of life.  They include medicines to relieve symptoms and stop disease activity,  strategies to relieve pain, maintain joint function and manage the tasks of daily living.

Pain relievers such as Paracetamol may relieve pain without causing serious adverse effects.  For optimal pain relief, paracetamol needs to be taken regularly three or four times a day.  Sometimes stronger opiate pain relievers are needed (codeine, morphine, oxycodone or tramadol).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat both Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis.  They include aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen.  These drugs reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness.  Some can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription however they must be used with care to avoid serious gastro-intestinal, heart and kidney problems.  NSAIDs come in both oral (tablets and capsules) and topical (creams and gels) forms but are best used only if regular paracetamol gives inadequate pain relief.  Cox-2 inhibitor NSAIDs (celecoxib and meloxicam) are types of oral NSAIDs that may cause less gastro-intestinal side effects.

Corticosteroids (prednisolone or prednisone) reduce inflammation and immune system activity and can quickly and dramatically improve symptoms.  They can be taken orally or injected into joints.  Steriods can cause serious adverse effects and are usually only used for short periods to control severe inflammation.  For Osteoarthritis sufferers, Hylans can be injected into a joint to increase the lubricant and shock-absorbing properties of the synovial fluid.

DMARDS (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, d-penicillamine, gold, leflunomide, azathioprine, cyclosporin and cyclophosphamide suppress the immune system to slow down or stop disease activity.  For those who suffer with Rheumatoid Arthritis, early treatment with DMARDS can prevent or limit damage to joints and other organs.  They may take weeks or months to act and must be closely monitored to avoid serious side effects.  Biological DMARDS (etanercept, infliximbb, adalimumab and anakinra) block the actions of body proteins involved with inflammation.  They are given by injection any may improve symptoms within a few days.  They also must be closely monitored to avoid serious side effects.

Complimentary medicines such as glucosamine and chondroitin may help relieve symptoms of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis, and you should consult your Doctor or Pharmacist for the best advice.  Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce Arthritis leg pain and general joint pain and stiffness, thereby reducing the need for NSAIDs.  The dose of omega-3 fatty acids recommended for Arthritis may be taken as fish oil capsules or liquid and may need to be taken regularly for 2-3 months before symptoms improve.

Medications aside, learning to recognize when your body and joints need to rest is imperative.  Learn ways to protect your joints during daily activities – walking aids and splints can assist in this area, and an occupational therapist can advise on these and other aids to assist you in your daily living.  Keeping a healthy lifestyle, following a sensible diet and participating in regular exercise – things we all know we should do but so much more important for the person who has Arthritis leg pain.