How Do I Choose The Best Arthritis Medicine?
How Do I Choose The Best Arthritis Medicine? by: Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD Are you spending a fortune on prescription arthritis medicines ? Are they helping? Are you concerned about side effects? You may think a particular drug is a miraculous godsend. Yet, someone you know may take the same dose only to experience little relief and life-threatening side effects. All of the choices can be confusing. The best treatment for your arthritis is based on your needs. Making the diagnosis of “osteoarthritis” is fairly straightforward, but deciding what to do about it is a complex and very individualized matter. There’s a wide range of options available to help you deal with OA; medicines are only part of the picture: The Basics : Weight Management / Exercise / Education / Modify Activities Medications : Pain Relievers, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), Supplements Injections/ Bracing Surgery The highest dose of the latest, “greatest” arthritis medicine on the market will NOT help unless you follo...