Arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joint that affects people worldwide. Doctors will create treatment plans for people based on the level of pain they experience, such as those with severe arthritis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 58.5 million people in the United States have arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation adds that 1 in 4 people experience severe pain, giving their pain a seven or higher on a scale of 010.

Arthritis can cause permanent changes to the joint. Although it can affect all people, it occurs most commonly in older people and both men and women in the United States.

This article explores the symptoms of osteoarthritis, treatments, and alternative and home remedies for severe pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and causes the most severe pain.

The symptoms may come and go in milder cases, but some people experience pain for many years, which can worsen with time. Meanwhile, in more severe cases, the symptoms are continuous.

The main symptoms are:

Many people with severe arthritis have significant difficulty in performing daily activities since it also leads to inflammation commonly affecting the:

Learn more about other types of arthritis.

Several medications can reduce joint pain and improve joint movement for people with severe arthritis. Treatment for severe pain is limited by what people can buy over the counter, so they often require a prescription from a doctor.

Below are some medications a doctor will prescribe to treat pain from severe arthritis.

NSAIDs are common medications that doctors prescribe to treat pain, stiffness, and inflammation that occur due to arthritis. NSAIDs inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, thereby preventing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body.

A few of the common NSAIDs that can treat severe arthritis include:

However, people must use these medications in controlled doses since they have several side effects.

The side effects include:

People who take high dosages of NSAIDs should consult their doctor about potential risks and ways to prevent them.

Several topical formulations, including creams, gels, lotions, and ointments, can help to reduce pain from arthritis. These medications contain topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac.

People can apply topical medications to the area of joint pain. These drugs target the knee or hand joints.

Doctors consider topical NSAIDs effective and generally safer, as there is no systemic exposure and typically involves a lower dose. Medical professionals use these drugs as the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Learn more about NSAIDs here.

Doctors can inject medication into the joints to help to relieve severe joint pain from arthritis.

Some of the commonly used injectable treatments are:

Learn more about steroid injections here.

Doctors commonly prescribe opioids when all the other pain relievers do not work. They help in the short-term management of severe arthritis pain and mainly target the knee or hip joints.

Some of the commonly used opioid medications are:

A doctor will explain the benefits and possible risks of opiods and suggest alternatives if necessary. The serious risks include overdose and addiction.

Opioids may also cause side effects, including:

A doctor will establish goals and guidelines for the safe use of opioids for pain management.

Learn more about opioids here.

Excerpt from:
Best pain medication for severe arthritis: Types and more - Medical News Today