More than one chart may contain the information you need about all your treatments. You may need more than one type of medication, or you may have several conditions. Below are some of the many forms of arthritis along with the types of drugs most often used to treat them.
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
analgesics, biologics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
FIBROMYALGIA
analgesics, also see Fibromyalgia chart
GIANT CELL ARTERITIS
corticosteroids
GOUT
analgesics, corticosteroids, NSAIDs also see Gout chart
JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (JRA)
analgesics, biologics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
LUPUS
analgesics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
OSTEOPOROSIS
See Osteoporosis chart
OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)
analgesics, corticosteroids (joint injections only), NSAIDs
POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA
corticosteroids
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
biologics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
REACTIVE ARTHRITIS
biologics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)
analgesics, biologics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
SCLERODERMA
analgesics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs
SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME
corticosteroids, DMARDs, NSAIDs, also see Sjögren’s Syndrome chart
WEGENER'S GRANULOMATOSIS
corticosteroids, DMARDs
Matching Conditions to Medications
sandra 28 Sep 2009, 18:52 |
| THIS MY FIRST TIME SEEING YOUR BLOG. I CAN FEEL EVERYONE'S PAIN I HAVE BEEN SUFFERIN WITH ARTHO OF THE SPINE SINCE 2004. I'VE HAD NUMRTOUS INJECTION AND STILL HAVE THE PAIN MY NEW PAIN MGMT DR IS GOING TO TRY THE STIMULATOR I HOPE THIS WORH AS I AM TIRED OF ALL THE MEDS. |
julie 07 Sep 2009, 07:28 |
| I was diagnosed in 1989 with MS I was told I was young and strong and to continue to work to keep my muscles strong. That was 20yrs now and yes I can still walk and talk I have awful painful bursitis in my right shoulder and right hip. The Orthopedic Surgeon I'm seeing says surgery to scrap bone spurs would help with the pain I'm all for that cuz they certainly can't prescribe a damm strong pain med oh I might get addicted. Yea I'm a crying baby when it comes to pain can't stand it especially when it's always there and driving me crazy in the head. I work ft and pt for financial reasons, I applied for SS about 5yrs back, got to the third hearing,but had to take a ft job cuz my husband was waiting for his newly SS paperwork to get finished. Unfortunately my husband commited sucide 3yrs ago so I'm living with my daughter and her 4 1/2yr old thank god they keep me moving about constantly. Here's my question do bursitis,arthritis,joint pain,muscle loss go hand and hand with MS? I would so much like to hear stories of others who are having this issue. Thanks for listening cuz my daughter doesn't understand why I whine and whince in pain. I'm going to be 52 soon. |
Terry Lynn 03 Sep 2009, 18:39 |
| Hi well my story is similar to most of yours. I am 51 years old i began
having arthritus problems at the age of 22. The progression continued. I
have scolosis of the back which has developed into a stenosis of the back i
also have degenerative disc disease now in the advanced stages. Along with
other junk like obstructive sleep apnea and now they have found a mass in
the brain that keeps changing they are wanting to send me to another
neurologist about i guess this guy is the best in the field ..I have gone
from asprin therapy thru ultram to injections and spinal injections , accu
pressure you name it over the years i worked for 32 years full time until i
had to final give into a knee replacement 4years ago. Now the other knee is
shot too i just walk until i just cant anymore i have to take naps i am so
tired all the time i am on morphine, lyrica and zanaflex..along with b/p
med and now vitamin d and folic acid high doses because of my health ..I am
a single mom my youngest child is 15 is at home with me. I divorced and my
ex remarried this past year after over 18 years of marriage. I am not even
sure why im writing all i know is each nite before i sleep i pray that i
will again wake up to a new day and i am thankful when the daylight comes.
I am up and down all night the pain gets to me. Lord help me if i fall
asleep on my back then im grabbing walls or whatever to try and pull myself
up right. I feel so bad for my son having to see me in this condition..As
far as going to the new neurologist to find out about this brain mass to be
honest i really dont even want to know..I am a woman of strong faith but my
fears lie with trying to be sure my son is on the right path in life during
my lifetime i know his dad well he is very self centered. He doesnt even
now look or put our boy first in his life. So i fear anything happening to
me would have a terrible dommino effect on those i love so dearly like my
son and my daughter shes 29 but there is still alot of growing up emotional
that girl has yet to do. I guess i would only ask any one who reads this
to just always keep hope and faith in whatever beliefs u have. and realize
that for what ever reasons in the longrun i do believe we are the stronger
ones in life and we do persever sorry im not a very good speller..and if
you would i dont ask for anything but maybe a prayer..I am kind of at the
point in my life that that seems to be the most logicial answer to my
problems.. God Bless all of you and i hope things get better for each of you in your pain and fight with the arthritus and other medical issues in your life. Terry Lynn |
Michele 02 Sep 2009, 05:15 |
| I am 50 years old and was diagnosed w/OA of the hip 7 years ago. Since that
time it has progressed to include the remainder of my joints except for
slight pain in my knees. I have had cervical surgery (ACDF) due to deterioration of my spine and at this point I was told by both my PCP, Rheumatologist and Ortho Surgeon that there is nothing left to do but pain meds, surgeries as needed and injections. Since I have at least (and hopefully) another 30 years or so to deal w/OA I have selected my course of treatment to continue w/ current pain meds (Ibuprophen, Vicodin and Percocet)until no longer effective, then injections, then surgery. On any given day I could either feel like I could run a marathon or I can't get out of bed at all. My PCP hopes that this accelerated progression of OA will at some point stop but until that time I hope I can continue to endure this chronic pain. I can't remember a day in the last 7 years that I haven't been in pain. I wouldn't know how to live without it. And they wonder why we get so depressed?! |
Ariviste 21 Aug 2009, 13:56 |
| J. Kato, You should probably see a rheumatologist. I have spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease, and some trapped spinal nerves. Some of my symptoms sound similar to yours. You might get an evaluation from a neurologist. If you have any of the conditions that are described as "spinal arthritis", there are surgery treatments for many of those, but be very careful of who does it. You could end up in worse shape than you are now. (That is advice I got from a neurosurgeon. |
Steph 21 Jul 2009, 14:37 |
| I was diagnosed with fibro back in 1994. Drs. placed me on all sorts of
anti depressants, drugs with heavy narcotics and very habit forming drugs. I found an OTC pill that I had used after a major operation gives just as much relief as the prescription type. Percogesic is a non aspirirn for enhanced pain. I take 1 or 2 and can go for 2 to 4 days without taking another one. I tolerate as much pain as possible before I take them as I do not want to become and addict of any kind. My friends ask me what I take and they look at me like I have 3 heads. You can find it on the bottom shelf at most drug stores. My friends with minot arthritic problems and other ackes and pains now all swear by the little orange pill. Good luck all and remember do not become a slave to the meds. God will help! |
Freddie Brackenridge 21 Jul 2009, 13:22 |
| I suffer from degenerative arthritis. I am diabetic have a pacemaker and
also a heart stint. I can't use antinflamtories as I take both Plavix and coumadin. My doctor prescribed Lortab for the pain and the relief provied in minamal at best.I am presently doing some PT and will continue for six weeks unless I am not showing inprovement. Is their help for me???? Freddie |
Kevin 14 Jul 2009, 15:13 |
| I see a lot of questions on this site but no answers... why? |
Janice 10 Jul 2009, 10:51 |
| I have psoriatic artritus in my hands, feet and knees with psoriasis on my scalp. I take Methotrexate, prednisone, sulindac and am now on every 8 week infusions of Remicade. I exercise and feel great. I can even start back golfing again. |
Floence 07 Jul 2009, 12:36 |
| I have Fibromyalgia. I have had it for a number of years and tried almost
everything. There are a few things that have given me my life back: 1)a
medication called Topamax - Cleared my Brain Fog and helped witht the Pain.
2) Trigger Point Injectins, 3)Diet,4) Arthritis Water Class - the only
exercise I can really get into and helps with my weight. 5) Stress Control.
6) Chiropractic Manipulation and Supplements. 7) Emotional Release/Healing
with a program call Soul Renovation. This I think is very important.
Release the emotional, anger, baggage, whatever we have stuffed or carried,
past & present. If interested go to www.soulrenovation.com. You will be
glad you did. Yes, I do take other medications when I need them. I have other medical conditions that lead up to the diagnosis of FMS. Keep a positive outlook and don't let the condition own you. And Ladies, get your hormones checked. I found that going on HRT help a lot! Hey, look at the bright side ladies, FMS has some possitive effects - NO HOT FLASHES or NIGHT SWEATS - we are always hot! facility |
Corrin Jordan 15 Jun 2009, 13:52 |
| June 15, 2009 Hi People. You are all so well-informed. I was diagnosed with degeneraive disk disease in my back and I had been seeing a chiropractor with my insurance monies covering most of it. My primary care Dr. pooh poohs everything. By that I mean my questions about treatment and pain. He says there is nothing I can do but to lose weight to improve matters. Right now I weigh upwards of 350 lbs. And I am only 40. And a Type II Diabetic, which I manage to control. I also take various types of psychiatric meds for bipolar disorder. So I don't know what to take that will help. For now I'm staying with otc products from the drugstore. But I'd be interested in hearing from the person withthe long laundry list of supplements which ones were successful! Thank you for this site. |
Hiarn Das Mahar 14 Jun 2009, 00:42 |
| This website is great. Thank you for sharing and all the info. I was
diagnosed about a year and a half ago , My Knees pain at sitting .. then I
went to doctors.They SayIt is Osteoarthritis .I serched in e-net it;s
medicine ... then following herbal medicines from south Africa is foud
e-net . But the address of supplier and aplling methedology is yrt to
search ... Would You Kindly help me.........??? Algophytum, Arthrosetten H, Arthrotabsm, Artigel, artiglio del diavolo, , Devil's Claw Capsule, Devil's Claw Secondary Root, Devil's Claw Vegicaps, Fitokey Harpagophytum, Harpadol, HarpagoMega, Harpagon, Harpagophyti radix (Latin ) , Harpagophytum procumbens , Harpagophytum zeyheri, harpagoquinone, harpagoside, , Rheuma-Sern, Rheuma-Tee, Salus We're waiting for your reply with a bless of cure..... Thanking U........!!! |
Megan 10 Jun 2009, 12:41 |
| This website is great. Thank you for sharing and all the info. I was
diagnosed about a year and a half ago. RA hit my hands, wrists. The lower
thumb joints are shot. Rheumatologist said those are osteo. Anyone who has
had surgery for those are you happy with it? My rheumi says it is not great
yet, but getting better so if I can I should wait. Not good mobility after
it. Would love to hear from anyone about that. I have had great relief from pro lo therapy shots. A very natural thing injected into joints. Only problem is it is pricey and insurance does not cover it yet. Hoping it will as I had no relief with cortizone shots. Tried accupuncture, was skeptical, but it works! yeh! almost as good as the pro lo therapy , less money and insurance DOES cover some of it. Thought I'd be grossed out by the needles but they were so tiny and you dont feel a thing. AND I have the BEST naps while on table with them in. Everyone says that. It is amazing. Try being open to other cultures/ways of healing. There is so much out there. Our medicine is not always the only way to go. Accupuncturist is also an 'herbalist' recommended to me by my gynocologist believe it or not. She said so many of our illnesses these days are due to inflammatory things. So she recommends him to patients with any kind of inflammatory illness. He put together anti inflammatory herbs in capsules and they help so much, and also give me energy, etc. Oh, by the way, I have found the best solution, for me, if I am 'fatigued', and it is EXERCISE through it rather than lie down. Get the heart pumping even though it is hard dragging myself to the gym. But then I fell better than ever. I got through the fatigue exercising rather than sleeping through it. My rheumi is great in that he is very open to any alternative things so I always bring him things I find in health food stores, etc. I take many of the holistic anti inflammatory things. I am on Plaquenil and so far have not had to go on anything stronger, the drugs frighten me, so I thank God for that. He thinks I am doing well due to all I am doing in addition to his prescription. I read about the antibiotic treatment and talked to him about it and he put me on minocycline and my numbers went down. I went off as I was worried about my stomach but he was happy with the results so told me to let him know when I want to go on it again. We are a good 'team' kind of trying things and I feel lucky have such a great, open doctor who does not want to rely on the stronger drugs if he does not have to. He is not thriled about having to prescribe them and has seen some bad side effects in his practice. The antiobiotic treatment was info. from The Road Back Foundation, and the book, you can go to their website, based on the research by a doctor and Thomas Scammel. There are doctors who treat RA just that way and they will give you info. if there is one near you. About a year ago I thought I might be getting it in my knees, for a brief time I had little pouches along my knee caps. Dr. did not know what was going on either. Honestly, I got right on the treadmill every day and it went away! Never came back. My heart goes out to anyone who has gotten hit in legs or feet or knees. Although I have lost some use of my hands I am praying and doing all I can to prevent it from hitting my legs, my strongest part. All the talk about exercise is TRUE. It is like a miracle. It is saving my life. My hands even feel so much better after about 20minutes on treadmill. They start to feel nearly normal again. Is it the oxigenation? I dont know. I do an hour, sometimes more, and the eliptical. And I do weights to strengthen the rest of me. And I am actually going back to dance classes at 58! Ballet to start for the stretching, bar and floor work. I take two two hour workout classes a week that have some yoga, tae chi, light aerobics with light weights, lots of deep breathing, stretching on mats with thera bands for resistance. I get out of bed a heck of alot easier days after those classes. I think even if it is hard to move, just move. Push through it. We have a woman in a wheel chair in our classes, an amputee. She is such an inspiration to me! You will find it really will help you move and make you feel so much better and help you deal with all of this better in a more relaxed more positive way. It will make you happier and believe me, happiness and feeling of well being helps. It is also empowering. To be able to do all that, it makes me cope better with the things I struggle with (buttons, things in kitchen, etc.) and my joints actually are not as inflamed or in pain if I keep exercising. I helped with a neighborhood garage sale sunday and worked hard and I also notice when I work outdoors I am not in as much discomfort as when I work in the house. I think the air and sun really are the reason. So I try not to sit here at computer too much or in the house. Maybe the joints/ cells etc. being oxygenated as when we exercise are the reason. I was amazed at what I could do outside with all the items, moving things, some heavy moving, etc. and although I ws not perfect, I was not in major pain. AND I felt better the next day too. I have been in and out of physical therapy as neck was getting hit and I have had back disc problems on and off for years in back. Which the exercise also helps. Physical therapist taught me how to do things without having to engage my thumbs as much. I hold things differently, lift things differently, and do not pull things as I used to with my thumbs. You dont realize how much you use your thumbs until you cant, due to those lower thumb joints being bad. Heating pad is a Godsend, for neck, back etc. That helps me tremendously. I wont even travel without it. And massage, but try to get a medical masseuse, who understands joint pain. I have one from the physical therpists group. I am a vegetarian(just no meat), very low fat diet for years. I eat more salmon. lots of fruits and vegetables, and I am at a good weight, but sort of lost weight and muscle mass from this (not unhappy about not having to watch my weight anymore!) but work out to keep the muscle mass and be stronger. And thank God I was healthy as a horse when this hit (heart, no cholesterol, I was the 'health nut" in the family..ugh!)so that has helped. My rheumi assures me due to my diet, my health, and all the exercise (I tell him I am going to 'dance away the RA' He loves that)I should not worry about the darker possibilities of this, like inflammation of heart and other organs. SO I try to NOT even think about those things. A day at a time. Today is good, so I am happy. If anything this has made me take better care of myself. I take in addition to the Plaquenil, which even that I am not thrilled about as I never even took aspirin before this.. MSM, hyalonic acid, fish oil capsules, flax seed oil, strong multis, calcium, vitamin D, glucosomine condroitin, arthritis-eze i found on a website, also has alot of things so i dont have to take seperately, bromelain, boswellia, zyflameds (have a number of anti inflammatory things in them so I dont have to take them seperately) C's, E's, cucumin, tumeric (in capsule and on foods), the herbalists potion. Not every day, I play it by ear. My stomach can only take so much so I kind or alternate or rotate things. anything that is listed as natural antiinflammatories. I am praying I will not have to go on the stronger drugs as I have cancers in my family(Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Niece, etc.) so my doctor has never pushed for me to take those. He is happy with how I am doing with what I am on now. So God bless and good luck to all. Please do take care of yourself, diet, weight, exercise, and I believe you will notice you are feeling better. The two people I know who are not doing well with it really have not changed their lifestyles at all. Bad diet (and admits it) no exercise. Overweight. I believe it really is our responsibility to take the reins in our own hands. It IS possible. Dont accept that you will never feel good again. Or be able to walk or be able to move well. In the beginning, I thought my life was over. After a few months I felt myself coming back again. Now it is my job to do all I can to ward off it spreading or getting worse, Oh, and avoid stressful situations, they are the enemy for inflammmatory conditions. I have a deeply spiritual friend who connected the word inflammation with any inflammatory situations and even 'anger'. DO all you can for YOU. Now is our time to care for us. After taking care of kids, husbands, wives, loved ones, now we have to take care of ourselves too, sometimes not the easiest thing for some of us. But we are all worth it. And to be good stewards of these bodies God blessed us with. Enjoy life, the sun, the air, the flowers, our pets, our families and friends and enjoy taking care of ourselves. And MOVE, even if is your shoulders and neck to the radio in the car. And DANCE...even if it is alone in your bedroom. And LAUGH, it will make you feel SO much better.God bless. Megan |
rita 03 Jun 2009, 12:06 |
| I HAVE FIBROMYALIA, OSTEOARTHRITIS, AND RA IN MY HANDS. I HAVE A PAIN MANAGEMENT DR. I WAS DIAGNOSIED IN 1985 WITH FIBRO. AND HAVE IT IN MY FEET. I TOO, WEAR THE ORTHODICS. SOMETIMES IT HELP IF I AM NOT ON MY FEET ALL DAY. MY PAIN IS IN MY BACK AND HIPS SO BAD I CAN'T SIT, SLEEP, OR WALK. NO ONE WAS FIND ANYTHING TO HELP ME WITH MY PAIN. THIS GOES ON EVERDAY. CAN'T SIT STILL, VERY RESTLESS.VERY FATIGUE,NEED TO TAKE A NAP IN THE AFTERNOON. NO ENERGY TO DO MY NORMAL WORK AROUND THE HOUSE. I AM 40 LBS. OVER WEIGHT. DEPRESS A LOT, CAN'T GO OUT IN PUBLIC WITH FRIENDS. WHAT DO I DO??? |
Susan 03 Jun 2009, 06:44 |
| Just been to my family doctor and he has told me that I have arthritis in my back and both hips. Some days it is hard to move around. After sitting in chair, I really get stiff but after I move some it get better. Need to fine a RA doctor to help. |
J. Kato 30 May 2009, 05:04 |
| Excuse me, BUT... Am I the only man on earth that has arthritis? I
certainly do not mean to offend anyone, but I'm feeling a bit alone here. I have recently been told by my doctor (a woman) :O) at the VA that I have arthritis in my back. I have no idea what kind it is, and I understand there are over a hundered kinds it could be. In many cases of arthritis, they (doctors) don't have a clue as to what causes it. About three months ago I began having severe back pain. It is now also in my left leg and foot and my right foot. It has began to affect my back and neck also. One doctor said I had a "pinched nerve" and arthritis. I have been given Ibuprofen and methocarbamol and a heating pad. It helps some, but not much. I am to see my doctor this June 22nd for futher evaluation. Any suggestions? :O) Peace to all... Jack |
Sylvia DiNello 26 May 2009, 08:31 |
| I have what I think is muscle pain, mostly in my legs at night, also neck pain. It does wake me during the night. I am taking Diclofenac 100 mg twice a day. |
The Blessed One 22 May 2009, 08:31 |
| I don't know what type of arthritis, that i have, it's in both knees and my lower back, moving to upper back, and i have multiple sclerosis. |
Janet 07 May 2009, 19:05 |
| Sherry Perhaps you should see a Pain Management Physician. He could evaluate you and recommend either pain meds and/or an epidural for pain or other treatment for your lower back. Also, I would recommend acupuncture for pain. I have acupuncture every two weeks for pain and to improve my immune system as I have RA. I truly believe it is worthwhile looking in to. I also have a Pain Management Physician. I get a lumbar epidural periodically as well as other treatments for spine pain and sciatica, for spinal stenosis due to OA. |
Delores 05 May 2009, 13:12 |
| I was recently diagnoised with RA and I find besides the joint pain in my thumb and right hand, hips and so forth that I'm extremely hot at night when trying to sleep. Is the body temp. associated with the inflammation RA causes? I feel like I'm literally burning up! |
Debra 21 Apr 2009, 22:50 |
| For Sherry, I will be 43 next month & have OA also & have had it for almost
10 yrs.. By the time it took the dr's. to stop saying "You're too young"
the tissue in my thumbs was gone & I had to have total joint resections
w/them taking the palmaris tendons underneath my wrists & putting them in
my thumb joints & taking out a lot of OA in my hands. I've had both my
knees scoped almost 5 yrs. ago & will do so again shortly. Also have in my
back, hips, feet. Lucky to have a good family dr.. And I can take NSAIDS.
Along w/a mass of pain pills. And despite my pain, I do yoga-pilates, a
gentle program & use to walk quite a bit before my latest knee flare. You need a pain specialist. Or a physiatrist. Does your area have either of those? Though you can't live pain free, you should @ least be able to function in a manner that is not crippling to you. God Bless & best of luck to you. To all of you...for chronic pain is indeed hard to live w/so I find laughter to be the best medicine. |
Kathy Davis 21 Apr 2009, 14:54 |
| Do you have any knowledge and/or information on Palindromic Rheumatism? |
Kelly 21 Apr 2009, 08:59 |
| Funny, I just learned about the antibiotic protocol and was wondering the same thing! I am about to approach my doctor with the question but wanted some information to back-up my request. My RA was caused by either an illness or the medication I took for the illness more than a year ago and so it would seem like a worthwhile exploration. |
Luka 17 Apr 2009, 12:57 |
| This is for Sherry, I too am 42 and about 30 pounds overweight with OA,
just diagnosed in April 2009. I've had 2 trigger finger surgeries in one
day and on one hand. The pain pills helped and I healed well. Then my
right hip started to give me pain. Its kinda hard to exercise on my
Gazelle (walking exercise thingy) while my hip is hurting. So, basically
exercising that way is out. I've been thinking about doing the opposite.
Instead of swimming lie down on my bed and pretend to swim or do some kind
of exercise. Will keep you posted as to how that works out or not. :) Good Luck to you and every else who suffers with the pain everyday. Keep the Faith and Pray that God will help you heal. :) God Bless you all. Much Aloha, Luka |
Sherry 07 Apr 2009, 20:17 |
| I have OA (osteoarthritis) in my lower back, minimal in my hips, and now I think it is in my knees and ankles. I am only 42 yrs old. I am 30 lbs overweight and trying to lose the weight. But here is my problem, I can't tolerate the side effects of the NSAID's and they don't work for me. I need the analgesics, but my general dr. won't prescribe them due to his fear of me becoming addicted. How do I find a good dr.(and what kind of Dr.?) who will prescribe these meds for me, so I don't have to feel DAILY pain every single day? I only want to live pain free!!!!! I'm tired of feeling pain. |
Jennifer 07 Apr 2009, 16:59 |
| Bruce - While the Podiatrist is great for assessing the immediate foot pain, I encourage you to see a rhematologist. My RA symptoms started in my feet when I was 19 and I spent 2 years going back and forth with podiatrists, orthodics, cortisone shots, advil, tylenol...you name it, I tried it. Finally I vistited a rheumatologist and my life was changed. I'm now a 12 year vetran of RA and have my rhematologists to thank for living a pretty normal life. Good luck to you! J |
Bruce Tippie 30 Mar 2009, 18:30 |
| I have arthritis in both feet but nowhere else. The Podiatrist says there
is not much he can do. I already wear orthotics but that doesn't aleviate
the pain in the joints. Do you have any suggestions? Bruce Tippie |
Valerie 20 Mar 2009, 14:12 |
| I don't see antibiotics like Minocin on your list of drugs. There are many
RA sufferers, myself included, that are experiencing major relief of RA. Is
the Antibiotic treatment something your organization has researched? Thanks, Valerie |
Cheers John