How Arthritis Drugs Work: A Complete Guide

02/06/2026

 

Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the tissues around a joint, causing severe pain, stiffness, and swelling, which accounts for limited mobility and loss of productivity. It is one of the major causes of disability in the US. It is necessary to identify early symptoms so that treatment can begin promptly and further worsening of the condition is prevented. The early symptoms to watch out for are as follows:

• Continuous pain in the joints (knee, hip, fingers, and shoulder joints)

• Stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning

• Swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints indicate inflammation

• Limited mobility (difficulty moving or bending, or carrying out other work

• Feeling tired, particularly in the case of rheumatoid arthritis

• Pain when touching the joints or pressing against them

There could be various reasons for the cause of arthritis, a few of which are listed below:

• Prior injury in the joints

• Wear and tear or degeneration in the joints

• Genetically inherited or a family history

• Autoimmune disorder, inflammatory disease

• Continuous strain on the joints

• Obesity or Overweight

Since there are numerous types of arthritis, it is important to identify the particular type you are suffering from so that the correct treatment can be suggested for your condition. Your doctor might prescribe below tests for an exact diagnosis:

• Ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI

• Blood Test ( To determine levels of uric acid, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), and inflammation markers)

Medications for Arthritis:

Although there is no cure for arthritis, several medicines can help reduce pain and manage symptoms. Your doctor would recommend the medication based on your specific condition. And since it involves long-term administration of medication, it may be difficult for those on a limited income to keep up with their prescription. Such individuals can opt for generic arthritis drugs or buy cheap arthritis drugs online for better discounts. Below are a few medications that help address the condition:

Analgesics

Analgesics are medications also known as general pain killers or relievers, prescribed mainly to relieve pain and do not act on inflammation or swelling in the joints. Example – Acetaminophen.

Opioids are prescription-only medications, meaning they should be dispensed strictly after a doctor’s suggestion to relieve severe pain. They are stronger than Acetaminophen and can cause more adverse effects. People taking these medications may develop an addiction to them.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These medications help minimize acute inflammation, thus reducing pain and improving functions. They work by inhibiting Prostaglandins (hormone-like substances). There are various NSAIDs, some available as OTC, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, and some as prescription, such as Meloxicam and Diclofenac.

Corticosteroids

These medications are also referred to as steroids or glucocorticoids and help reduce inflammation and slow joint damage. They work by mimicking the action of the natural hormone cortisol. They act quickly and bring short-term relief, but cause adverse effects such as weight gain, increased blood pressure levels, high sugar levels, and increased risk of cataracts. Example – Ibandronate and Alendronate.

Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

These drugs are primarily prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis. They work by reducing the inflammation and preventing further worsening of the condition. At times, you may even be prescribed multiple DMARDs at a time, known as combination therapy. Example – Methotrexate, Apremilast

Biologics

These are a special type of DMARD that are particularly prescribed against RA and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. They are stronger and costlier than the traditional DMARDs and available as an injection. One of the side effects of these meds is that they weaken the immune system and make you vulnerable to infections.

Targeted DMARDs

Unlike the conventional DMARDs, these are oral medications that work by blocking a particular pathway rather than suppressing the whole immune system.

1. Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors – These drugs are primarily prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. You may be suggested these if other medications did not work as expected. Example - Tofacitinib, Baricitinib

2. Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors (PDE 4 Inhibitors) – These medications, unlike other DMARDs, cause fewer side effects. Example - Apremilast

Alternate Measures

Though arthritis medications help in addressing the pain, inflammation, and slowing the disease’s progression. However, if they do not bring about the desired result, your healthcare provider may recommend the following options:

• You may be suggested physical therapy, which can be beneficial in improving joint motion and help strengthen muscles around the joints.

• Maintaining an optimal weight helps reduce the load on the joints and offers other benefits, too.

• Ice therapy helps in minimizing the swelling and calming the inflammation.

• Heat therapy supports relaxing the stiff joints and offers better flexibility.

• If the earlier measures fail to bring positive results, you might then be recommended to undergo a surgery such as joint replacement, joint fusion, or joint repair.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a very common health condition across the globe, and it could impact anyone, irrespective of age or sex. Though there is no cure for the condition, the symptoms can certainly be addressed, and the disease’s progression can be slowed with medication and a positive approach. There are various medications that can help manage the pain, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling. However, which medication would suit your condition depends on the type of arthritis you have, the severity of the symptoms, and your overall health condition, and would be decided by your doctor. Before you start taking any medication, it is necessary to share with your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements, or have any health conditions. Besides taking the medications, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and frequent follow-up with your doctor will help address symptoms, prevent further worsening of the condition, and support overall well-being.