Best Prescription Medicine For Arthritis Pain In Knees
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the knees. The pain and discomfort caused by arthritis can be debilitating and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Fortunately, there are prescription medications available that can help manage arthritis pain in knees. In this article, we will discuss the best prescription medicine for arthritis pain in knees.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact and inflammation. This type of arthritis is most common in older adults and is often caused by wear and tear on the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that can affect the knees. This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children.
Prescription Medicine for Arthritis Pain in Knees
There are several prescription medications available to help manage arthritis pain in knees. The most common types of medications used to treat arthritis pain include:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are a class of drugs that help reduce inflammation and pain. They are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Prescription-strength NSAIDs may be more effective at managing arthritis pain than over-the-counter NSAIDs. Some common prescription NSAIDs include:
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn)
NSAIDs can cause side effects, including stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney damage. It is important to use NSAIDs only as directed and to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a class of drugs that help reduce inflammation and pain. They are available in pill form, as injections, and as creams or gels that can be applied to the skin. Corticosteroids can be effective at managing arthritis pain, but they can also cause side effects, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of infection. Some common corticosteroids used to treat arthritis pain include:
- Prednisone
- Dexamethasone
- Methylprednisolone
- Triamcinolone
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
DMARDs are a class of drugs that help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis. They are most commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis but can also be used to treat other types of arthritis. DMARDs can take several weeks or months to start working, and they can cause side effects, including liver damage, lung problems, and increased risk of infection. Some common DMARDs used to treat arthritis pain include:
- Methotrexate
- Leflunomide
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Sulfasalazine
Biologic Response Modifiers
Biologic response modifiers are a type of DMARD that are made from living organisms. They help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis. Biologic response modifiers can be effective at managing arthritis pain, but they can also cause side effects, including increased risk of infection and allergic reactions. Some common biologic response modifiers used to treat arthritis pain include:
- Adalimumab (Humira)
- Etanercept (Enbrel)
- Infliximab (Remicade)
- Rituximab (Rituxan)
Conclusion
Arthritis pain in knees can be debilitating, but there are prescription medications available that can help manage the pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologic response modifiers are all effective at managing arthritis pain in knees. It is important to talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you and to use medications only as directed. With the right medication and treatment plan, it is possible to manage arthritis pain in knees and improve your quality of life.