Since there are many different types of the disease we know commonly as arthritis, there are a limitless number of drugs that can help to aid the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the basic types of medications that are available to help treat arthritis so that you can be more properly informed about the possible solutions to your arthritic problem.

One of the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for arthritis are known as NSAIDS. NSAIDS stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are used to keep the inflammation of the area affected by arthritis to a minimum, allowing for a decrease in pain and stiffness, and possibly giving the joint a slightly longer range of motion. Commonly used NSAIDS include such household drugs as simple aspirin, ibuprofen, and celebrex.

Another type of drug that is often prescribed in order to help treat arthritic problems is known as DMARDS. Standing for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, these compounds act slowly with their effects on arthritis building up after a few weeks. These drugs can help to stop the progression of such arthritis types as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Using the DMARDS for a long period of time can cause a ceasing of damage to the affected joint, and they are a great option for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Corticosteroids represent another type of drug that is used by arthritis patients. These drugs work by reducing swelling and inflammation in those with arthritis, leading to pain relief and a loosening of the stiff joint. Corticosteroids are most often used to stop inflammation in joints and organs that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis. Since these drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound produced in the adrenal glands, dosage varies from case to case. If used over a long period of time or in too high of doses, corticosteroids have been determined to lead to long term problems.

Since the pain associated with arthritis can be so great, many arthritis sufferers resort to pain medications to help curb the agony. Referred to in the medical field as analgesics, substances such as Tylenol, codeine, darvocet, percocet, and vicodin are often prescribed when the pain of arthritis gets to be too much for a patient. Analgesics work like NSAIDS, but they do not help to curb inflammation.

One class of medication that is rather unique in terms of usage for arthritis is known as a Biologic Response Modifier, or BRM. This type of drugs is not synthesized in a lab, and is instead taken from living sources to help treat particular aspects of arthritis. There are numerous BRMs available, and they can help arthritis patients to cope by decreasing inflammation, blocking the harmful affects of rheumatoid arthritis via a special type of protein, and increasing the body’s T-cells.

When beginning a regimen of drugs to help treat arthritis, it’s important to let your doctor know about any other medications that you may be taking. Using different drugs in tandem can decrease their efficiency to a great degree, so it’s important to be sure that your medications work properly.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing philosophy that integrates the use of botanicals to promote healing. There are four specific botanicals that have been used for hundreds of years to treat the symptoms of arthritis. These are ginger, cur cumin, feverfew, and boswellia. Some of these may sound familiar, while others may not ring a bell at all. Whatever the case may be, if you are seeking all-natural relief from those often-painful arthritis symptoms, these botanicals may be just what you've been searching for.

Ginger: You've probably used ginger to make cookies, to spice up a soup recipe, or in other such kitchen recipes. But did you know that ginger has a long history as a healing spice? It's true: ginger can be used for a variety of ailments. It has long been established as an effective means toward preventing seasickness. Now, some ginger enthusiasts claim that it can also help relieve the pain and stiffness associated with almost all forms of arthritis. There is no hard scientific evidence to prove its efficacy, but its ease of use and overall safety make it a viable natural supplement choice. However, there are certain precautions that one must take before taking ginger. Ginger must not be taken if you take any kind of blood-thinning or high blood pressure medications. Ginger has a mild blood-clot slowing property, and so should not be combined with any kind of medication that affects the blood or blood pressure.

Curcumin: Curcumin is a lesser-known spice that is actually the component of a better-known spice, turmeric. Anecdotal evidence abounds about its ability to relieve joint pressure and pain. Its most common side effects are mild stomach problems, but may include diarrhea and nausea. However, like ginger curcumin should not be used in conjunction with blood thinning or high blood pressure medications. One major caveat: curcumin should be avoided by those individuals prone to developing gallstones or who suffer from any form of gallbladder disease. Studies have shown a link between this spice and the development of gallbladder contractions.

Feverfew: It is an old folk remedy that has long been used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. However, there is no research evidence that has demonstrated its effectiveness on treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis. It is generally considered very safe for short-term consumption. The effects of long-term use are not known. Feverfew should be avoided by those who are prone to allergies, especially to herbs and flowers from the daisy family. Some health professionals also believe that feverfew may have contraindications for certain prescription medications.

Boswellia: This botanical is sometimes referred to as Indian frankincense. It is made from the resin of a native Indian tree and has been traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic pain and stiffness. It is considered safe, but reported side effects include mild stomach irritation, nausea, and diarrhea. There are no known contraindications for this botanical, as there have been no major studies on boswellia to date.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 million Americans are currently living with arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States; with the annual cost to the U.S. economy being estimated at more than $130 billion.

Studies have shown that people who suffer from arthritis can improve symptoms by changing their diet. The cause of arthritis can stem from various situations. Certainly, genetics plays a role in whether a person will develop arthritis. Other factors include age, weight, previous injuries, some high-level sports, and illness or infection.

Arthritis is oftentimes accompanied by inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural defense to injury. It occurs when the body produces too many cytokines. Cytokines send signals to the brain, which are used to allow one cell to communicate with another. Certain foods are known to cause an over-production of cytokines. Eliminating these cytokine-producing foods can help arthritis sufferers better manage their symptoms by reducing inflammation within the body.

Colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, which are helpful in fighting inflammation. Fruits which are high in vitamin C provide the most benefit for people with arthritis. These include blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi fruit, mango, cantaloupe melon and apples.

Choose vegetables that are high in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, collard greens, kale, spinach, squash, and sweet potatoes.

Consume foods or use dietary supplements that are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. These include certain types of fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. Unfortunately much of the world's fish supply is contaminated with high levels of mercury. It is recommended that you limit fish consumption 4-ounce portions, consumed 2-3 times per week.

If you're lucky, you might be able to locate mercury-free fish. Try typing in "mercury-free fish resources" at your favorite search engine. Additionally, you can search for mercury-free fish oil supplements.

Nuts and seeds are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Choose unsalted nuts and seeds and avoid dry roasted altogether. Twelve almonds can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of Omega-3 EFAs. Brazil nuts and walnuts are good choices; as well as sunflower, linseeds and pumpkin seeds.

Include whole grains and lentils and avoid anything processed. Quinoa (keen-wah) is known as the Mother of all Grains and is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. Amaranth, lentils, chick peas (garbanzo beans), and brown rice are also good choices as part of your arthritis diet.

Gluten is a component of grains such as wheat, oats, barley and rye. Gluten is known to cause inflammation within the body and many individuals may be allergic to it without even realizing. Studies have shown that wheat and corn can irritate patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac disease.

Other foods known to cause inflammation include milk and dairy products, red meat, dry roasted nuts, sugar, flour, artificial sweeteners, honey, alcohol, tea, coffee, chocolate, nightshade plants (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes, and tobacco), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), and other food additives.

People with arthritis oftentimes find themselves in a Catch-22 situation. Their rational mind tells them that gentle exercise can help to relieve the pain they are experiencing. Their physical body is screaming "it hurts to walk; you can't possibly expect me to exercise!" So, what is a person to do and how can they overcome this inner conflict?

The moment you are diagnosed with arthritis, your healthcare practitioner should provide you with a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan that includes some form of exercise. This plan should also provide dietary instructions, which explain the types of foods that can help reduce arthritis pain; along with a list of foods known to aggravate symptoms — i.e. red meat, dairy products, food additives, and processed foods, to name but a few.

Many arthritis sufferers find yoga or tai chi exercises an effective form of exercise. Others prefer water aerobics; weight training and muscle strengthening exercises; range-of-motion exercises such as dancing; or aerobic and endurance exercises such as cycling.

It's best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting any exercise program. It's of particular importance if you have arthritis.

Many insurance companies offer their members discounts to health clubs, exercise videos, dietary supplements, etc. Check your policy to determine if you have benefits you are unaware of. Oftentimes, health club memberships offer up to a 50 percent discount to insurance provider members. Most of these health clubs offer private sessions with a qualified trainer who can assist you in developing an arthritis exercise program best suited to your needs.

Before exercising, it is recommended to apply heat to sore joints to help warm them up and allow them to become more flexible. Always begin your arthritis exercise program by stretching before and after the routine. Last, but not least, apply cold packs to sore joints at the end of the exercise work-out.

Choose an exercise program that you enjoy. If you dislike using free weights, chances are you will not stick with the program. However, if you love water aerobics and it eases your pain, you'll be more inclined to participate on a regular basis.