Arthritis is a common joint problem which is marked by pain, inflammation and swelling of affected joints. Although there are multiple different kinds of arthritis, inflammation plays a role in all of them. Consequently, the most effective treatment for arthritis often hinges on reducing the inflammation within the joint.
Arthritis Types
There are several different kinds of arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The main kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a condition in which the immune system attacks the tissue within the joints. A less common form of arthritis, gouty arthritis, is the result of the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Inflammation
Although the different kinds of arthritis have different causes and roues of progression, they all involve inflammation. Inflammation is the way the immune system deals with tissue damage (osteoarthritis) and damaging uric acid crystals (gout). An abnormal inflammatory response is also responsible for rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is responsible for much of the swelling and pain caused by arthritis. Consequently, reducing inflammation is one way in which arthritis is often treated.
Anti-inflammatory Treatment
Anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disease (NIAMS), can come in several forms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are over-the-counter medications which can be used to reduce arthritic inflammation. Commonly used NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Glucocorticoids are potent blockers of inflammation which are also used as part of an inflammation-oriented arthritis treatment. These medications can be taken orally, applied to the skin over the affected joint, or injected directly into the injured joint.
Side Effects
One of the dangers of treating arthritis by reducing inflammation is the side effects that these treatments can cause, explains Family Doctor, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. NSAIDs generally only cause irritation of the digestive tract, but they are only effective for mild cases of arthritis. Glucocorticoids, on the other hand, can decrease the immune system's ability to fight infections when used regularly. Glucocorticoids can also lead to elevated blood sugar levels, osteoporosis and increased fat in the thorax.
Rheumatic Arthritis
Inflammation is not just a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis; it is also a cause of the tissue damage. Consequently, patients with rheumatoid arthritis may use treatments that specifically target the inflammation that causes the joint damage. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (such as methotrexate) are powerful inflammation blockers and can be used to slow the progression of the disease. Biologics are drugs (such as etanercept) which are also designed to specifically block the pathologic inflammation of the joints.
