Treatments for Inflammatory Arthritis
There is presently no cure for Inflammatory Arthritis. However, doctors and other healthcare providers can make lifestyle recommendations and medications that can help control the inflammatory process and hence decrease its symptoms and signs.
When the process is properly controlled, it reduces the risks of potential damages. Treatment is most productive when it starts early in the course of the disease. Over the past two decades, research in this field has caused improvements in care. Recent developments in treatment strategies have also significantly improved the long-term outcomes of inflammatory arthritis.
Drugs for Inflammatory Arthritis fall into one of the following categories:
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): This group of medications treat inflammation, by disrupting the synthesis of prostaglandins, chemicals that contribute to pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids [4] like prednisone have more than one actions. They can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but may also affect bone strength and increase the chances of having diabetes, hypertension [5] and infection.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): This group of drugs is vital to the treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis. They are used to reduce the progress of joint damage. DMARDs are drugs that are used to control inflammatory arthritis. They do not work immediately on the inflammatory response, but can take weeks or even a few months to become fully effective. One of the most commonly used, drugs in this class is methotrexate [6], which is not only effective in rheumatoid arthritis but also in juvenile inflammatory arthritis and also in psoriatic arthritis. Other DMARDs used are hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, minocycline, and leflunomide.