Arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints. Arthritis Greenbelt can significantly impact your well-being, especially since the condition can cause mobility complications. Fortunately, arthritis treatment could help you achieve remission from concerns. However, there is much to consider when choosing the right treatment plan. The following are the most popular treatments for arthritis.
A total wellness plan
Arthritis can cause various complications hindering your well-being. Your doctor will develop a comprehensive plan to manage your pain and prevent severe organ and joint damage. An effective arthritis treatment approach will eliminate inflammation and improve physical function for enhanced quality of life.
Remission is possible if you begin arthritis treatment early. You may also need to commit to your treatment plan and keep track of all medications your doctor prescribes to enjoy treatment efficacy. Your doctor may implement a specific treatment strategy called treat-to-target. This strategy requires close collaboration between you and your physician toward a specific goal. You may need multiple clinical checkups to evaluate your progress and determine the need for treatment adjustments.
Medications
There are different types of medications for different types of arthritis. The following is a breakdown of the typical arthritis medications that doctors prescribe:
- Analgesics: These general pain relievers eliminate discomfort due to your condition. Over-the-counter analgesics include acetaminophen. You will need a doctor’s prescription to access opioids.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medicines block prostaglandins, allowing pain and inflammation relief. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Only a doctor can give prescriptions for indomethacin and celecoxib.
- Corticosteroids: These steroids mimic cortisol to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids offer short-term relief of arthritis symptoms.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Your doctor will recommend these drugs to slow down the inflammation in your joints. However, DMARDs may weaken your immune system predisposing you to infections. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks of the treatment for you to decide whether you want to go through with it.
- Biologics, like DMARDs, also stop or slow disease progression.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an effective treatment to restore joint function. Your physical therapist will develop your physical therapy plan to safely and effectively restore movement. Collaborating with a physical therapist will increase your chances of treatment success because these licensed professionals have the clinical expertise to assess, diagnose, treat, or prevent limitations in body movements and function.
Physical therapy for arthritis focuses on restoring joint mobility. However, it is critical to have realistic goals for a better clinical experience. Your doctor will focus on achieving the following arthritis goals using physical therapy:
- Optimized movement form restored joint function
- Strengthened joints
- Fitness maintenance
An individualized plan of exercises is necessary to achieve treatment goals. Your doctor will develop a combined approach to wellness by including flexibility, strength coordination, and balance exercises in your physical therapy plan to guarantee optimal joint function.
Keep hope during your arthritis treatment until you achieve low disease activity or remission. Contact Pain Management Associates LLC to continue collaborating with your doctor to design a treatment that reduces inflammation and pain.