Early arthritis can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the severity and type of arthritis. In general, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve joint function and overall quality of life.
For milder cases of early arthritis, non-surgical treatment options are typically used first. These may include lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss, and stress management, as well as the use of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biological agents. Additionally, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on affected joints may be recommended.
For more advanced cases of early arthritis, surgery may be necessary. This may include arthroscopy to remove debris from the joint, joint replacement to replace an arthritic joint with an artificial one, or joint fusion to permanently join two bones together. Additionally, newer treatments such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy are being explored as potential treatments for early arthritis.
No matter what form of treatment is used, it is important to work with a healthcare team that includes a rheumatologist, physical therapist, and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, it is important to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and practice stress management techniques to help reduce the symptoms of early arthritis and slow down its progression.