Some of the newest arthritis drugs focus on targeted therapies like JAK inhibitors (e.g., Rinvoq, Olumiant, Xeljanz) for autoimmune types, which block inflammation pathways, and emerging gene/cell therapies (like INVOSSA for osteoarthritis) showing promise, though most new treatments enhance existing classes or target specific molecules to control symptoms and slow damage.
Pills. NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin. Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick.
Professor Ranjeny Thomas has led the development of ASITI-RA, an immunotherapy drug which could transform patient's lives. Long term relief is within reach for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis after an $11.5 million grant was awarded to a UQ-led team.
“Rosnilimab, a selective and potent depleter of pathogenic T cells, demonstrates efficacy, safety, and translational proof of mechanism in a rheumatoid arthritis phase 2b trial” ACR 2025; Abstract LB19.
Methotrexate (MTX) is now the most popular drug worldwide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
It's called SetPoint therapy — named for the company that created it, SetPoint Medical. It's a tiny, pill-sized implant that's inserted into the body. Tesser is a rheumatologist here in the Valley, and a professor at University of Arizona's medical school.
Applying heating pads, taking hot baths or showers, or using warm paraffin wax can temporarily relieve join pain. Be careful not to burn yourself. Limit heating pad use to 20 minutes at a time. Ice packs can help lessen pain and inflammation, especially after physical activity.
Gout is an extremely painful type of arthritis caused by a buildup, overflow and/or inability to process uric acid.
Serious side effects
Key Points. Acute pain in multiple joints is most often due to inflammation, gout, or the beginning or flare up of a chronic joint disorder. Chronic pain in multiple joints is usually due to osteoarthritis or an inflammatory disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or, in children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Protect the Liver
Chan notes that adenosine also causes fibrosis, or buildup of scar tissue, in the liver. Over time, that could result in liver disease. To monitor and limit your risks, your doctor may recommend you avoid alcohol and will run routine blood tests to monitor your liver function.
Staying active is one of the best ways to relieve arthritis symptoms. Don't force yourself to do anything that causes severe pain, but stretching and moving your body can reduce pain and stiffness and prevent them from getting worse.
Arthritis flare-ups are triggered by physical stress (overexertion, injury, repetitive motion), emotional factors (stress, poor sleep), illness (infections), medication issues (skipping doses, changes), diet (processed foods, purines in gout), weather changes (cold, pressure), weight gain, and smoking, leading to increased pain, swelling, and stiffness as the body's inflammation worsens.
For severe pain, topical NSAIDs likely won't match the effects of oral meds, but those who have mild to moderate arthritis may find relief. They come in OTC and prescription gels and creams. A Cochrane review found that diclofenac or Voltaren, ibuprofen and ketoprofen gels are the most effective.
If the question “Why do I have trouble walking after sitting?” has crossed your mind, you're not alone. Common culprits include muscle tightness, reduced circulation, hip and knee stiffness, numb feet, and weak glutes, all of which can make standing up feel harder than it should.
You may need corticosteroid injections or glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements if you have rheumatoid arthritis. If these treatments don't work, you may need surgery. If you have arthritis in the glenohumeral joint, your doctor may suggest a shoulder replacement.
The goal is to keep your neck in a neutral position, says Picard. If you are a back sleeper, occupational therapists (OTs) recommend using a thin pillow that will keep your spine aligned while you sleep. Side sleepers should choose a taller pillow under their neck so their neck aligns with their head.
The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, menthol and camphor, have primarily superficial effects, but can provide a soothing sensation over an arthritic joint that is inflamed. What home remedies do you recommend for arthritis pain? Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
OA KNEE PAIN? ZILRETTA is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain that uses extended-release microsphere technology. With a single injection, ZILRETTA can significantly reduce your knee pain for an entire 3-month season of relief.
While not scientifically proven for everyone, the main vegetables to consider limiting for arthritis are nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers) due to the alkaloid solanine, and potentially corn, due to high omega-6s, as these can trigger inflammation in some individuals, though an elimination trial is needed to see if they affect you.
SIMPONI® is a TNF blocker injection taken under the skin once a month for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, alone or with the medicine methotrexate.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are your first-line defense when looking for prednisone alternatives. These medications work by blocking certain enzymes that cause pain and swelling. Common OTC NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Great for general inflammation and pain.
The four stages of rheumatoid arthritis are: Stage I (early, synovitis without X-ray damage), Stage II (moderate, joint space narrowing and periarticular bone loss), Stage III (severe, erosions and deformities), and Stage IV (end-stage, ankylosis/collapse with major loss of function).