Wrist Joint Pain

How Wrist Joint Pain is Treated Pharmaceutically?

For conditions like wrist joint pain which can be caused by either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, there are many routes for treatment. General medication treatments can vary widely while condition specific treatments will target the exact problems that occur and attempt to stop them.

General Treatments

The general treatments for wrist joint pain start with over the counter medications. These can include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and various kinds of NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). There are also prescription versions of these medications when a stronger dose is needed.

Additionally, many with wrist joint pain may turn to things like creams and gels that can be rubbed directly onto the joint and remove the pain. Cortisone is an even more direct option that injects into the joint to reduce inflammation and restore function. However, cortisone can only be injected so many times.

Other Conditional Treatments

However, since not all wrist joint pain is caused by the same symptoms, there are many other routes to treatment that will combat specific problems:

• Gout and Pseudogout - Gout is the result of too much uric acid building up in the joint and the body attacking it. The best treatment for this condition, medically, is the application of colchicine. Another treatment is Probenecid which helps the kidneys remove that acid.
• Infection - Some times wrist joint pain can be caused by an infection or a fungus that strikes the joint. This type of wrist joint pain needs to be targeted by an anti-fungal or antibiotic that will remove the cause of the pain.
• Osteoarthritis - For this long term degenerative disorder, the problem is more time than anything else. To combat this form of wrist joint pain, the best course of action is often to inject cortisone or medical lubricants like hyaluronic acid.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - For this extreme form of wrist joint pain, there are a number of treatments that can help, though many times the side effects are many times worse over than the disease. Drugs like DMARDs can be helpful in restoring joint function, but cause hair loss, weakened muscles and much more.

Additionally, there is strong evidence in many recent medical studies that a diet rich in fibers and low in protein can help restore some of the strength in joints, helping to reduce wrist joint pain. However, all arthritis patients should consult their doctors before self treating a condition like wrist joint pain.