Joint Pain Medication
Pain medication is one way of handling the discomfort arising out of various injuries or medical issues
afflicting the joints. While pain medication is not the only way to treat the problem, it is often the only
practical one at the time. There are various drugs to use in combating joint pain. Each has its advantages and
disadvantages. Some you can obtain over-the-counter at a drugstore; others are only available through a
prescription. The major forms of medication include the use of NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors and DMARDs. A medical
professional will be able to guide you in selecting the right medication for your personal problem.
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
When you have a minor case of joint pain, this is the most common form of medication you will turn to. NSAIDs
contain many recognizable brand names and products. Among them are aspirin, ibuprofen and ASA. Others less known
are naproxen and dicolfenac. You take all types orally in pill, gel or capsule form.
NSAIDs are inhibitors. They act to prevent the formation of the mediators of inflammation, the prostaglandins.
The effect in doing so is twofold. NSAIDs are a pain inhibitor (analgesic). They also hold back inflammation. In
these capacities, NSAIDs can be used as joint pain medication to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
as well as any other instance involving joint swelling.
There are side effects. The major component of the body affected by using NSAIDs is the gastrointestinal system.
The result can be a mild upset stomach. Continuous usage, however, may produce gastric ulcers.
Cyclo-oxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors)
This is the newer form of SAIDs. It is a class of drugs useful in addressing the joint pain of arthritis.
Celebrix is among the most recognized forms of this medication. Among the main claims of COX-2 inhibitors is its
lack of side effects. While working to reduce inflammation and joint pain, this group of drugs is said to obtain
comparable results without causing stomach distress.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are among the most powerful of the anti-inflammatory drugs. This type of medication is used to
decrease inflammation rapidly. The name is often shortened to steroids, but corticosteroids are not to be confused
with the metabolic steroids used by body builders. This type of steroid is a group of hormones produced by the
adrenal glands. They act to suppress the different symptoms of the problem, including inflammation. Steroids of
this nature require a doctor’s prescription or are given as a shot directly into the affected joint.
There is always a risk of ill effects when using drugs. With corticosteroids, the problems include
hypercortisonism if the dosage is high and prolonged. Other issues include weight gain, acne, striae and an
increased tendency to bruise. If the treatment is lengthy, there are other risks. These may involve hypertension,
oedema, infection and diabetes mellitus.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
This is a modification drug. Methotrexate and sulfasalazine are 2 types of DMARDs. The purpose of this
medication is to inhibit the immune system to prevent the problem and remove the joint pain. This works in the case
of autoimmune diseases such as RA. It is only used under a doctor’s qualified supervision.
DMARDs cannot be combined with certain other medications. Using with NSAIDs may increase toxicity levels. Under
certain conditions, DMARDs can affect the production of white blood cells. They may also result in problems with
the liver or even lung disease. Pregnant women may wish to avoid this method of joint pain treatment.
Conclusion
There are several different types of medications available to treat joint pain. Most are oral, but a few require
injections. If you intend to use form of medication, always talk to your doctor first. He or she will be able to
provide guidance on the choice, dosage and length of time you should use the drug. The medical professional will
also be able to provide you with essential information on possible side effects.
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