There are various types of medicines can help control the pain and swelling of joints in Rhumatoid arthritis (Rheumatoid). Doctors recommend medications depending on type of arthritis, the degree to which the joints have been affected and how much pain is experienced as well as other factors. There are various classes of medicines, most of them falling under one of the following
o Analgesics: They are drugs to relieve pain but not inflammation. They are generally used if there is allergy to aspirin. Acetaminophen is one example of an analgesic. It is available without a prescription.
o Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : are used to combat joint pain, stiffness and swelling. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body , which are substances that send pain messages to the brain. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Other NSAIDs are available by prescription only. NSAIDs should be used under doctor supervision only and can cause the side effect of stomach upset.
o Glucocorticoids: are drugs that relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected joint. These drugs are related to a hormone found in the body à cortisol. Glucocorticoid injections must be monitored carefully; side effects can occur if you receive injections too frequently.
o Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) : The main function of DMARD's is to reduce inflammation, slow down and suppress the immune system, but these drugs also help relieve pain. The effects of these drugs may take several weeks or months to become tangible in nature. Examples of DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxycholorquine, azulfdine and lefunomide.
o Biologic response modifiers (BRMs): These are also known as biologic agents and are used to suppress arthritis inflammation. Food and Drug Administration has approved two BRM's for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximib (Remicade).
o Antidepressants are typically prescribed for the chronic pain of fibromyalgia rather than for arthritis. They work by blocking pain hormones in the brain. They are sometimes used with patients to break out of depression cycle. Antidepressants also can help improve sleep quality, which in turn may help reduce pain. The doses used to treat pain and sleep problems are usually lower than those used for depression.
o Topical pain relievers include creams, rubs and sprays that are applied to the skin over a painful muscle or joint. Some topical pain relievers contain combinations of salicylates , skin irritants and local anesthetics that relieve pain . Salicylates work by making nerve endings in the skin unresponsive to pain.
o Narcotics and other strong painkillers are sometimes prescribed for short-term and intense pain. Morphine and codeine reduce pain by blocking pain signals that are traveling to the brain.
o Tranquilizers can be helpful in reducing painful muscle tension and spasms in some types of arthritis or its related conditions. However, these drugs have to be used very carefully as they can be addictive if they are used for a long period of time.
o Nerve blocks are anesthetic drugs injections, administered directly into the nerves of the painful area. They can help relieve nerve, tendon, and ligament and muscle pain. Yet nerve blocks are not as effective for long-lasting pain because they work only for a limited period of time. They may also cause temporary muscle weakness and numbness near the painful area.
After reviewing many of these options, you may find it beneficial to also examine some natural options for dealing with your arthritis and a sufferer myself, I have found these to be a useful complement. With some trial and error they can begin to replace many of the more conventional approaches to your Rhumatoid arthritis pain relief.
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