Osteoarthritis can affect people of all ages, though it is more prevalent in older adults who are above the age of 65. Living with this disease of the joints can be very difficult. It can be even more stressful when you are not sure which medication would work best for you and, better yet, how to deal with the prices of medications. Osteoarthritis medicine is available but it’s important make an educated decision on which type of medication used for this condition. Although the help of medical professionals is absolutely necessary, it is beneficial to have some knowledge about the condition. This way, you choose the medication that works best for your needs so you can go back to living life the way you want!
Information about Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis (inflammation of the joints). It is usually considered to be a degenerative, or progressive, joint disease which affects the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a hardened, thicker type of tissue that covers the ends of joint-forming bones to provide protection. If you have osteoarthritis, it means that the cartilage protecting these joints is wearing away, causing the bones to rub together where they lack that separating tissue. This constant rubbing together results in painful inflammation and can eventually lead to the permanent damaging of the joints.
This joint disease commonly affects areas of the body like the fingertips, knees, lower back, and hips. There are some specific bits of information to consider about the different bodily areas which can be affected by osteoarthritis:
- Women are more likely to have osteoarthritis in the hands than men.
- The most commonly affected joints are the knees. People who have osteoarthritis in the knees may experience swelling and stiffness. These ailments can cause it to become difficult to perform activities like walking or climbing.
- Osteoarthritis in the hips is also common and, like in the knees, is characterized by stiffness and swelling in the hip joints. Bending and moving about can be very difficult due to the pain caused by the osteoarthritis.
Choosing the Right Osteoarthritis Medicine
There are various prescription medications which can help with osteoarthritis. It is good to classify the pain you are experiencing. If the pain is moderate, medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen may help to ease the ailing joints. However, if the pain is rather extreme, doctors may prescribe stronger painkillers. Hyalgan, Vimovo, Celebrex, Feldene, Indocin (injection), Arthrotec, and Cortef are just a few possible prescription medications that can help with osteoarthritis.
Talking to Your Doctor About Osteoarthritis Medicine
While there are a number of prescription osteoarthritis medicine choices, your doctor will be the one to establish which is best for your specific type of arthritis. So, when you talk to your doctor about symptoms you’re experiencing, be completely honest. Your doctor will only be able to help you if he/she understands what you’re experiencing, so help yourself by giving all the details! Furthermore, treatment always works best if patients stick to the script. So, pay attention to any osteoarthritis medication instructions your doctor may have for you to follow.
Paying for Osteoarthritis Medicine
While getting the best treatment for your condition may be a challenge, paying for medication is a challenge all on its own. However, there are specific programs intended to help those diagnosed with osteoarthritis financially. Patient assistance programs offer discounts and coverage for osteoarthritis medicaine for people who have little or no medication insurance coverage. If you don’t have medical insurance and you need help paying for your osteoarthritis medication, The RX Helper may be able to assist you! Contact us today to speak to an experienced representatives about how we can assist you with your medication costs!