danieltang
5 years
My father has been complaining of joint pain
Doctor, my father has been complaining of joint pain and difficulties with his movements. Could this possibly due to arthritis? What is the treatment?
5 years
Hi, thank your for your question. Arthritis is one of the causes of joint pain and movement difficulties. Some common types of arthritis and their treatment are listed below.
Osteoarthritis occurs due to wear and tear of the joint surface. Treatment of osteoarthritis involves medications like:
- acetaminophen
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS)
- corticosteroid injections to relieve pain
- hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate joints
- joint replacement surgery
- physical and occupational therapy
Rheumatoid arhtritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system is faulty and attacks the joints. Treatment of RA involves NSAIDS to reduce pain and inflammation, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) to suppress immune system and reduce damage to joints, corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation, biologic agents to targets immune system that triggers inflammation, surgery to remove inflamed joint lining / repair tendon/ fuse the joint / replace the joint, and physical and occupational therapy.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, where immune system attacks the joints like rheumatoid arthritis. What differentiates PsA from RA is, people with PsA will also have psoriasis (skin condition that cause plaques on the body) and it can affect the nails, eyes and tendon. Treatment of PsA involves NSAIDS, DMARD, immunosuppreants and corticosteroids.
Gout is a painful condition that occurs as a result of accumulation of crystals in the joint. Treatment of gout involves lifestyle changes (lose weight, avoid alcohol and purine-rich food), NSAIDS, colchicine, corticosteroids and urate-lowering therapy.
Other than arthritis, there are many other causes of joint pain, such as inflammation of the tendon, infection of bone, infectious diseases and injury.
Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your inquiries. Thank you.