Some Common Arthritis Treatments
Arthritis treatments vary from patient to patient depending on the form of arthritis and the way it affects them.
Some arthritis treatments being medicines prescribed by their doctor, or even involvement in research and experimental medication, to eating differently (i.e.. an arthritis diet), arthritis exercises, home remedies, aromatherapy, etc...
As with all forms of Arthritis, treatment will provide the best results if:
- Sufferers make efforts to learn about and understand their condition.
- Sufferers learn techniques to help manage their arthritis.
- Sufferers should begin treatment as soon as possible to begin managing the condition, reduce pain and discomfort, minimize joint / bone deterioration, and help them maintain mobility.
- Sufferers should consult their doctor / rheumatologist regularly so that they can keep up to date with new treatments and management techniques.
* Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a long-lasting (or chronic) disease, meaning that it.
However, much can be done to control and reduce its effects.
An individual AS management and treatment program is usually discussed and planned by the doctor and person involved. Such treatment plans usually include a combination of medication, exercise, and education to help the patient understand the condition and know as much about it as possible.
* Gout
Fortunately the outlook for people with Gout is usually very good, with a range of treatments and management options.
Proper diagnosis and management usually result in Gout being well controlled.
* Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Currently, there is no cure for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and it is not currently possible to estimate how long JIA may last, or which joints may be affected, or the severity of the symptoms.
However, some innovative treatment strategies have been developed and for managing the condition, and these are meeting with significant success.
Joint inflammation and pain can be addressed by a range of new medications that are now available. In addition, treatment by a rheumatologist and occupational therapist or physiotherapist can often readily improve the condition. Specialist pediatric units can also assist.
Many children and adolescents gradually recover over time.
* Osteoarthritis
A variety of treatments and management techniques are available to help people control and reduce the effects of Osteoarthritis (OA). Each management program should be individually designed in consultation with a doctor.
Treatment usually involves a combination of suitable exercise, education, medication, joint protection, and healthy weight maintenance.
Joint replacement surgery can also be an extremely effective treatment option for people with severe OA, especially if the other treatment options have not proven to be suitable effective.
The outlook for people with OA is generally very positive.
Even in the worst cases of OA, the condition progresses and worsens slowly and for many people, the symptoms of OA tend to be mild and cause little impact on their lives.
* Rheumatoid Arthritis
Like other forms of Arthritis, there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) but many treatment options are available to relieve specific symptoms and minimize the damage caused by the condition. The most appropriate management and treatment options for RA depend on the individual's symptoms.
There is a lot that RA sufferer's can do to control the symptoms of the condition, manage the pain, and live a full life with the disease.
Treatments for RA usually include a combination of education, medication, exercise, and rest. The treatment of RA is often a team effort between the person and several types of healthcare professionals.
* Scleroderma
There is no cure for Scleroderma but there are many treatments for specific symptoms. The most appropriate management and treatment options for Scleroderma depend on the individual's symptoms.
For example, the following Scleroderma treatments may be appropriate:
- Suitable exercise to preserve the range of motion for the affected joints and improve overall health.
- Medication to slow the progression of skin involvement
- The effects of Raynaud's Disease may be reduced by avoiding changes in temperature and by using gloves and other warming devices. Medication may also be used to decrease the severity of the symptoms and issues caused by Raynaud's Disease.
- Medication to treat any issues if the lungs or kidneys are affected.
For most people, Scleroderma is not systemic or progressive. For many, Scleroderma presents itself as a mild skin condition. However some people may have involvement throughout the body.
* Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus)
There is no cure for Lupus but there are many treatments for specific symptoms.
The most appropriate management and treatment options for Lupus depend on the individual's symptoms, and the condition can be effectively treated with drugs, and most people with the disease can lead active, healthy lives.
Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms, and lifestyle, and may change over time.
Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness or remission. Understanding how to prevent or anticipate flares, and how to treat them when they do occur, helps people with Lupus maintain better health.
