There are several remedies that are currently available to treat joint inflammation. Some of the medications interfere with the enzymes that are involved in the inflammation process. Some inhibit enzymes that the cells need to function. Others stimulate the production of proteins that are anti-inflammatory and suppress the inflammatory proteins.
NSAIDs
NSAID stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This medication is a remedy for joint inflammation because it not only decreases pain and fever, but it is anti-inflammatory as well. NSAIDs interfere with enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, according to Anne Burke, M.B., assistant professor of medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in "Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." Enzymes are proteins that speed up the time of a process. Cyclooxygenase-1 helps to protect the lining of the stomach. Cyclooxygenase-2 speeds up the production of substances involved in inflammation. Interfering with cyclooxygenase-2 fights against fever, pain and inflammation. Naproxen, ibuprofen and indomethacin are all NSAIDs. They are remedies for the joint inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are steroid hormones. They are made in the outer part of the adrenal gland, referred to as the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are remedies for joint inflammation because they suppress the production of inflammatory proteins and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory ones. Roy Altman, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of California, explains how corticosteroids are used in rheumatoid arthritis in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." Prednisone is an example of a corticosteroid. It is also used to treat gout and pseudogout.
COX-2 Inhibitors
These remedies have a similarity to NSAIDs. They are nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory and interfere with the cyclooxygenase enzyme. But they only inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, also referred to as COX-2. They are used in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, writes David Hellmann, M.D., chairman at John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, in "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment." Because COX-2 inhibitors do not interfere with cyclooxygenase-1, they do not have any affect on the stomach, as NSAIDs do. Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor.
Methotrexate
Edward Chu, M.D., professor of medicine and pharmacology at Yale University School of Medicine, writes about methotrexate in "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology." This remedy interferes with an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase. Cells use this enzyme to change folic acid to the form that they need to carry out various cell functions, such as making DNA, RNA and proteins. Methotrexate is a remedy for joint inflammation because it interferes with cell functions. This leads to fewer cells that can participate and maintain inflammation. This remedy is a treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
References
- "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology"; Bertram Katzung, M.D., Ph.D., Susan Masters, Ph.D., Anthony Trevor, Ph.D.; 2009
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2010
- "Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics"; Laurence Brunton, Ph.D.; 2006
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Rheumatoid Arthritis
