Traetments

DMARDs are a family of medicines that may be able to
slow or stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
This in turn prevents pain and swelling. DMARDs typically
require regular blood tests to monitor side effects. In addition
to relieving signs and symptoms, DMARDs may help to
retard or even stop joint damage from progressing. However,
DMARDs cannot fix joint damage that has already occurred.
Some of the most commonly prescribed DMARDs are
methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and
leflunomide.
Biologic response modifiers, or biologics, are a new family of
genetically engineered drugs that block specific molecular
pathways of the immune system that are involved in the
inflammatory process. They are often prescribed in combination
with DMARDs such as methotrexate. Because biologics
work by suppressing the immune system, they could be problematic
for patients who are prone to frequent infection.
They are typically administered by injection at home, or by
an intravenous infusion at a clinic. Some commonly prescribed
biologics include etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab,
and anakinra.
People with any type of arthritis may benefit from exercises
to strengthen the muscles that support the knee and weight
loss, if needed, to relieve excess stress on the joints.
If arthritis causes serious damage to a knee or there is incapacitating
pain or loss of use of the knee from arthritis, joint
surgery may be considered. Traditionally, this has been done
with what is known as a total knee replacement. However,
newer surgical procedures are continuously being developed
that include resurfacing or replacing only the damaged cartilage
surfaces while leaving the rest of the joint intact.