Learn about Arthritis Medications

Shar: Hi, this is Shar from Orlando, Florida, what type of medication are prescribed for arthritis?

John Sundy: Shar, this is a good question. Our goals in trying to treat arthritis are to reduce pain, to improve function inside a joint and to allow people to do the kinds of everyday activities that they want to do. So, this can include therapies that involve medications, but also very importantly includes therapies that do not include medication, and this can include physical therapy, weight loss, and exercise. When we use medications, many of our goals are to reduce pain, and this can include medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes we have to use stronger medications to suppress the immune system to treat autoimmune or situations in which the body's immune system can attack the joints and cause arthritis as well. So, the important thing to know is that this requires a combination approach of medications and non-medical therapy to treat people's symptoms.


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