Understanding and Managing Inflammatory Arthritis: Effective Treatment Options

Inflammatory arthritis is a general term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. The most common type of inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While there is no cure for inflammatory arthritis, there are a number of ways to manage the symptoms. Here are some of the best treatments for inflammatory arthritis:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a type of medication that can help reduce inflammation and pain. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Glucocorticoids: Glucocorticoids are a type of medication that can help decrease inflammation and the immune system. They can be taken orally, by injection, or as a topical cream or ointment.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are a type of medication that can slow the progression of RA and improve symptoms. DMARDs include methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine.

Biologics: Biologics are a type of medication that targets specific proteins in the immune system. Biologics are effective for treating RA but can be expensive.

Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for people with severe RA who do not respond to other treatments.