The definition of arthritis is deceptively simple: An inflammation that involves one or more joints. More than 100 diseases fit this description, from the simplest inflammation in one joint to complex autoimmune diseases. According to the Arthritis Foundation, at least 46 million Americans are affected by arthritis and diseases related to it. Many medications are used to treat the different types of arthritis. Some of the drugs provide simple pain relief; some help reduce inflammation and some may help stop the progress of debilitating joint damage.
NSAIDs
Three types of drugs come under the heading of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that help control pain and inflammation. Some are well-known, over-the-counter medications; some require a prescription. Traditional NSAIDs comprise at least 20 medicines, among them: Naproxen, Relafen, Voltaren, Mobic and Ibuprofen. The second type of NSAID---COX-2 inhibitors---targets COX-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain. Some of the drugs in this category are Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra. The third type---salicylates---includes aspirin and magnesium salicylate.
Analgesics
Analgesic medications are used strictly for pain relief. Acetaminophen is the best-known drug in this category. Some analgesics are opioids, including codeine and hydrocodone. Other drugs in this category combine acetaminophen with one of the opioids; for example: Percocet, Darvocet and OxyContin.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are different from the anabolic steroids often associated with athletes. The "Arthritis Today" website points out that this class of drugs is similar to cortisol, which the body produces naturally. They are used to treat joint and organ inflammation. Corticosteroids can provide fast and dramatic relief and often are used for just a short time. Medications in this class include cortisone, prednisone and hydrocortisone. For arthritis treatment, corticosteroids are usually administered orally or by injections into the painful joint.
DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are usually called DMARDs. They are often prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis but occasionally are used for other types of arthritis. Some of the best-known DMARDs are methotrexate, Arava, Ridaura, Azulfidine, Plaquenil, Leukeran and Neoral.
Biologics
These genetically-engineered drugs are usually prescribed along with a DMARD for people with the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. Biologics suppress the immune system. Enbrel, Orencia, Humira, Rituxan and Remicade are some of the most popular biologics.
Topical Medications
The Mayo Clinic website identifies three categories of topical pain relief used for arthritis: Creams made of chili peppers, aspirin-type pain rubs and treatments that make the skin feel hot or cold. Chili pepper, capsaicin and creams work by depleting nerve cells of "substance P," which plays a vital role in signaling pain. Aspirin-type applications contain salicylates. Because they are absorbed into the skin, they may lessen inflammation. People who take blood thinners or who have aspirin allergies should check with their doctors before using these salicylate-based treatments. The third type of topical treatment is called counterirritant. These have ingredients like eucalyptus oil, menthol or wintergreen that create an irritation and cause a sensation of heat or cold. This temporarily distracts you from pain.
