A person with aching hands

Arthritis Treatment

From pain relievers to biologics to surgery, your arthritis may be treated in different ways depending on the form. Understand your options so you can play an active role in your care.

Cherry juice with fresh berries

Health Benefits of Cherry Juice for Arthritis and Gout

By Brittany Poulson, MDA, RDN, CD, CDCES

Woman with pill and glass of water

Immunosuppressants: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions

Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD

Old man with finger pain

How Arthritis Is Treated

By Carol Eustice

Aspirin tablets spilling from a bottle.

The 5 Main Classes of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Explore Treatment

All Biologics Methotrexate Pain Relief

arthritis hands trying to open prescription medicine pill bottle

Arthritis Medications Overview

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Stem cell research

Using Stem Cells to Cure Arthritis and Cartilage Damage

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Elderly Hands Opening Pill Bottle

Plaquenil: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen for Treating Pain

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Pills on medicine cabinet shelf.

Swallowing Pills Is Not Easy for Some People

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Pills and syringe.

How Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids Differ

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Dose pack of Medrol

Medrol Dose Pack Can Help Tame an Arthritis Flare

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Man taking pills

8 Ways to Reduce Inflammation From Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Vaccinating an elderly person

Toradol: Injectable Pain Relief for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Close up of senior opening a pill bottle

Arava: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Birmingham hip resurfacing system

How the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System Works

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Doctor reviewing information on a tablet with a patient

Prednisone for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Prescription pad with Rx for tramadol written on it

ConZip (Tramadol): Uses, Side Effects, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Older man lifting weights during occupational therapy

How OT Makes Living With Arthritis Easier

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Tapering Prednisone

Prednisone Tapering Schedule to Reduce Withdrawal

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Man rubbing his sore shoulder

The Role of Cytokines in the Body

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Man holding syringe

Synvisc and Synvisc-One Use and Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Depressed woman on sofa.

The Use of Antidepressants for Managing Chronic Pain

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Knee replacement incision

20 Tips to Help Arthritis Patients Prepare for Surgery

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Taking Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Zorvolex: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Arthritic patient

Xeljanz (Tofacitinib): Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Nutraceuticals for osteoarthritis

Nutraceutical vs. Dietary Supplement for Joint Health

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

A woman reading pill bottle labels

Rayos: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Turmeric root and supplements

Turmeric for Arthritis Pain

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Taking pill from pillbox

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs Overview

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

An older woman with arthritis opening a pill bottle

An Overview of the Arthritis Pain Reliever Arthrotec

Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO

Pills on medicine cabinet shelf.

How to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Aspirin tablets

10 Things You Should Know About Aspirin

Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO

Doctor examining woman's hand

Understanding ACR20 Criteria

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Rheumatoid Arthritis Target to Target: Goals, Obstacles, Practice, and Your Role

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Woman at rheumatologist

Rheumatologist: Expertise, Specialities, and Training

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Senior couple holding hands and walking in park

Glucosamine: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Woman filling syringe with medicines

Self-Injection of Arthritis Drugs

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

A woman looking at her medication

How to Know If Your Arthritis Medications Are Working

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Stopain products on a white background

Stopain Topical Pain Reliever Information

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Steroid shot in buttocks. Injection syringe with medicine on the buttock

Steroid Injections and Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Doctor looking at knee replacement x-ray.

Joint Replacement Surgery - Are You Too Young?

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

pills in bottle

Corticosteroids for Inflammation

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Woman popping a supplement out of a blister pack into her hand

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Joint Lubricants or Viscosupplements

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

a man with his ankle elevated and immobilized

The Pros and Cons of Ankle Fusion Surgery

Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD

Treating Arthritis With Naproxen

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Doctor giving prescription bottle to senior patient

Muscle Relaxers Prescribed for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Woman holding medication pills

The Risks of Using Expired Medication for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Man wearing knee brace, cropped

Delaying Knee Surgery With Synvisc

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD

A male nurse draw a sample of blood from a patient's arm

Kidney Function and Arthritis Medications

Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH

Doctor explaining perscription to patient

What to Know About Skelaxin

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

First person POV of a hand holding two round white tablets.

Facts About Robaxin (Methocarbamol) for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO

Senior woman taking salicylates.

Salicylates as a Treatment for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Doctor injecting senior patient in clinic

How Cytotoxic Drugs Treat Rheumatic Diseases

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Arthritis pain in hands

Medical Marijuana and Arthritis

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Why Is the Doctor-Patient Relationship So Important?

Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig

Elderly woman grasping arthritic hands

How Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion) Can Treat Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

BENGAY Relieves Minor Aches and Pains Tied to Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Pouring red wine in glasses

Risks of Consuming Alcohol With Humira

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD

What It Means to Develop Antibodies to Biologics

Medically reviewed by Jenny Sweigard, MD

Medicine vile in doctor's hands

Understanding Biologic Drugs for Arthritis Treatment

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Doctor giving a patient an injection

Medical Assessments Needed Before Starting Biologics

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Concerned patient reviewing a tablet with doctor

Amjevita: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Injection into the thigh

Erelzi: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Male nurse with IV bag.

TNF Blockers and Risk of Infection

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

RA Drug Pipeline

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs in the Pipeline

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Three vials of medication and a syringe.

What Are TNF Blockers and Their Side Effects?

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Monoclonal antibody illustration

Monoclonal Antibodies for Arthritis, Cancer, and More

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Injection into the thigh

TNF Inhibitors: Uses, Side Effects, and More

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

How Are Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira Different?

By Carol Eustice

Woman injecting medication

Enbrel: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

By Carol Eustice

Man self-administering injection into his abdomen

Cimzia: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Woman holding a syringe

When Should You Change Your TNF Blocker?

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Intravenous infusion with Inflectra

Inflectra: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

woman on couch with medican in foreground

Side Effects of Biologic Treatments: Types, Prevention, and Management

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Humira: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Nurse adjusting IV bag

Orencia: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

By Carol Eustice

Old woman's hands trying to open medication

Methotrexate: Weekly Dosage Explained

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Mixed race man examining prescription bottles

Methotrexate: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Man taking medication

Is Methotrexate Considered Chemotherapy?

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Pregnant woman watering orchids in kitchen

Safety of Taking Methotrexate While Pregnant

Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD

Hands of a woman with rheumatoid arthritis.

What You Need to Know About Rasuvo (Methotrexate)

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Folic acid open and placed on its packaging

Folic Acid When Taking Methotrexate

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Doctor reviewing medical chart with senior man.

Is Injectable Methotrexate or Oral Methotrexate Better?

Medically reviewed by Violetta Shamilova, PharmD

A woman lays, her knee close to the camera. Five acupuncture needles are in her knee

Acupuncture for Arthritis

By Laken Brooks

Chinese man taking medication

Pain Medications and Narcotics for Arthritis Patients

Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD

Ways to Manage Your Arthritis Pain

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Woman applying mud to shoulder

Mud Bath Therapy for Arthritis

By Carol Eustice

illustration of prescription pills

CDC Guidelines for Opioids and Arthritis Patients

Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH

Magnet therapy.

Does Magnet Therapy Help Arthritis?

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

What Is the Best Anti-Inflammatory Medication (Nsaid)?

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

The 3 Best Paraffin Baths of 2020

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Pills with water

What You Should Know About NSAIDs for Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Tylenol tablets on a table

The Most Effective Tylenol for Your Symptoms

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Man talking to pharmacist.

Dual NSAID Users Increase Risk of Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Doctor with older patient

5 Tips for Arthritis Relief

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Feet in a vibrating foot massager. Electric massage bath. Foot bath before a pedicure

Foot Spa Helps Soothe Arthritic Feet

By Carol Eustice

Sharper Image foot warmers

The 5 Best Foot Warmers for People With Arthritis of 2020

Fact checked by Ashley Hall

Person using cold compress

Hot or Cold Gel Packs for Pain and Inflammation Relief

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD

physical therapist working with a woman's knee

Physical Therapy Goals for Arthritis Patients

Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, DPT, OCS

Woman reading on couch with blanket

How to Manage Arthritis Flare-Ups

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

prescription bottles

Choosing the Right Analgesic to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Bottle of acetaminophen

Acetaminophen: Uses, Dosage, Precautions, Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Doctor giving patient pills

Can You Take Tylenol With an NSAID?

Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO

Close up of senior's hands taking pill from pill organizer

Can Low-Dose Aspirin Be Taken With NSAIDs?

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Extra Strength Tylenol

Extra Strength Tylenol Use and Overdose

Medically reviewed by Violetta Shamilova, PharmD

Young lady holding her chest with a doctor

Taking Proton Pump Inhibitors When You Have Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Man taking a pill.

What's the Best Way to Take Pain Medication?

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Muscle Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Woman applying cream to hands, close-up

The 6 Best Arthritis Creams of 2020

Fact checked by Ashley Hall