6 medication options for rheumatism

The medicines recommended by the doctor to treat rheumatism are anti-inflammatories, analgesics or corticosteroids, which help to reduce symptoms such as pain, difficulty moving, stiffness and discomfort caused by inflation in the bones, joints and muscles, in addition to regulating the immune system.

Rheumatism is an old expression in medicine, no longer used, although it is still popularly said to express a set of diseases with an inflammatory or autoimmune cause, called rheumatological diseases, which generally affect joints, bones and muscles. , but which can also compromise the function of organs such as lungs, heart, skin and blood.

Rheumatological diseases are a group of diverse diseases, and some of the main examples are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, dermatomyositis or vasculitis, for example. Therefore, it is important to consult a rheumatologist so that an evaluation can be carried out and treatment can be indicated according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person.

Main medications

Some examples of medications for rheumatism that should be advised by a rheumatologist are:

1. Anti-inflammatories

Anti-inflammatory medications reduce the inflammatory process that causes pain and swelling. It is recommended to use only during periods of crisis, as continuous use can cause side effects.

Examples: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, Etoricoxib or Diclofenac.

2. Painkillers

Analgesics help control pain and help the person continue carrying out daily activities with the least discomfort. These medications may be associated with other medications recommended by the rheumatologist or general practitioner.

Examples: Dipyrone or Paracetamol.

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids more potently reduce the inflammatory process and modulate the immune system. Their continuous use should be avoided, but in some cases, under medical advice, they can be maintained at low doses for prolonged periods, depending on the severity and general health of the person.

Examples: Prednisone, Prednisolone or Betamethasone.

4. Antirheumatic

Antirheumatic drugs, also known as disease-modifying drugs, decrease the inflammatory reaction by blocking cells’ response to the activity of the immune system.

Examples: Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide or Hydroxychloroquine.

5. Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants reduce the inflammatory reaction of the disease, blocking the cells’ response to the activity of the immune system, relieving inflammatory symptoms, such as pain.

Examples: Cyclosporine, Cyclophosphamide or Azathioprine.

6. Immunobiologicals

Immunobiological medications are a more recent therapy that uses mechanisms to activate the immune system itself to combat inflammatory processes caused by autoimmune diseases.

Examples: Etanercepte, Infliximabe, Golimumabe, Abatacepte, Rituximabe ou Tocilizumabe.

Home remedies

To treat rheumatological diseases, in addition to the use of medicines, it is also important to have home care that helps control inflammation and alleviate chronic symptoms. Some options include:

• Ice or cold water compressesfor about 15 to 30 minutes, twice a day, during periods of joint inflammation;
• Physiotherapy Exercisesuseful for working on joint mobility, strengthening muscles and promoting a better physical condition for people with rheumatism, and are guided by the physiotherapist according to each person’s disease;
• Practice physical activitiesas practicing exercise, such as swimming, water aerobics or walking, is very important for people with rheumatological diseases, as it helps control weight, prevents joint overload, strengthens muscles and bones, increases flexibility and maintains good cardiovascular health .
• Food care, which should be rich in omega-3, present in cold water fish, such as salmon and sardines, and in seeds such as chia and flaxseed, as there is evidence that they help regulate the immune system. It is also important that the diet contains calcium and vitamin D, present in milk and dairy products, in addition to being recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages and the consumption of processed foods with many additives, as they can worsen the inflammatory process and hinder treatment.

Furthermore, occupational therapy is also a good alternative for people with joint and bone diseases, as these professionals can advise how to do day-to-day tasks in the best way to avoid joint overload, pain and inflammatory process.

Also check out some other home remedy options for rheumatism.