Was This Helpful? Share Facebook Twitter Email. Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Patient Stories. Subscribe to CreakyJoints for more related content. About CreakyJoints CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. Our Resources ghlf. Stay Connected. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
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Login to comment on posts, connect with other members, access special offers and view exclusive content. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis , and for that the place to start is with your primary care doctor.
Primary care doctor — A primary care doctor can manage osteoarthritis with standard treatments, like anti-inflammatory pain medications and referral to a physical therapist. The doctor will probably order X-rays. Star says. If the doctor suspects there might be some other cause of joint problems besides osteoarthritis, a rheumatologist will be consulted. Orthopaedists — Orthopaedists are doctors who treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteoarthritis.
For arthritis that gets worse despite treatment, they can perform injections of corticosteroids powerful anti-inflammatory drugs or hyaluronic acid a substance that lubricates joints. For severe arthritis that causes significant pain and seriously limits daily life, an orthopaedic surgeon can perform surgery, such as joint replacement. Rheumatologists — Rheumatologists specialize in musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions. They can be costly, though, and require repeated treatments.
Also, the long-term benefits of these alternative sometimes called complementary or integrative medicine treatments are unproven but are under study. Drug therapy: Forms of drug therapy include topical, oral by mouth and injections shots. You apply topical drugs directly on the skin over the affected joints.
These medicines include capsaicin cream, lidocaine and diclofenac gel. Oral pain relievers such as acetaminophen are common first treatments. In , the government FDA approved the use of duloxetine Cymbalta for chronic long-term musculoskeletal pain including from OA. This oral drug is not new.
It also is in use for other health concerns, such as mood disorders, nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Joint injections with corticosteroids sometimes called cortisone shots or with a form of lubricant called hyaluronic acid can give months of pain relief from OA.
This lubricant is given in the knee, and these shots may help delay the need for a knee replacement by a few years in some patients.
Surgery: Surgical treatment becomes an option for severe cases. This includes when the joint has serious damage, or when medical treatment fails to relieve pain and you have major loss of function. Surgery may involve arthroscopy, repair of the joint done through small incisions cuts.
If the joint damage cannot be repaired, you may need a joint replacement. Supplements: Many over-the-counter nutrition supplements have been used for osteoarthritis treatment.
Most lack good research data to support their effectiveness and safety. Among the most widely used are calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
To ensure safety and avoid drug interactions, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these supplements. This is especially true when you are combining these supplements with prescribed drugs. You might want to work with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to learn the best exercises and to choose arthritis assistive devices.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition. Do you need help?
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