New arthritis treatments focus on targeted therapies like JAK inhibitors (e.g., Rinvoq, Xeljanz) for faster relief, advanced biologics, and potential future approaches like antigen-specific immunotherapy (Reset RA) to retrain the immune system and vagus nerve stimulation to control inflammation, offering hope for better management, especially for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with ongoing research into nerve stimulation and personalized treatments showing promise for osteoarthritis (OA) too.
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.
Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib. Topical NSAIDs are the first topical treatment of choice for osteoarthritis. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and relieve symptoms.
Biological treatments, such as adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab, are a newer form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or redness in 1 or more joints. There is no known cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment choices include medicines, weight loss, exercise, and surgery.
8 Food Ingredients That Can Cause Inflammation
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Naproxen (Aleve), aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are available over the counter. Others like indomethacin (Indocin) and celecoxib (Celebrex) require a prescription.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Small joint injections involve delivering corticosteroids or other medications directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. These injections are especially effective for managing hand and finger pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, or other inflammatory conditions.
For some, Dr. Mandell's advice to apply Vicks to the soles of your feet may seem unusual. However, he explains that menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus can stimulate nerve endings in your feet. From there, these signals travel through your nervous system to the brain area responsible for the coughing reflex.
What to Avoid to Slow the Progression of Osteoarthritis. High-impact sports Avoid sports or exercises that involve repetitive jumping or heavy impact, such as football, basketball, tennis, marathon running, or high-intensity aerobic workouts. These activities can worsen joint pain and lead to further joint damage.
The top essential oils for arthritis include ginger, turmeric, frankincense, myrrh, orange, bergamot, lavender, vanilla, peppermint, jasmine, green apple, basil, rosemary and eucalyptus.
Dairy contains a high level of protein casein. This type of protein triggers inflammation and pain in the joints, and may even contribute to irritation around the joints. Some dairy products, such as butter, contain a high amount of saturated fat. This can also contribute to inflammation and joint pain.
Based on new research from the CDC, the top five nutrient-dense vegetables are:
Injury to your skin. Certain medications. Bacterial infections, specifically strep throat. Other possible triggers: allergies, diet, alcohol intake, smoking and weather changes.
Here are seven simple ways to keep your joints lubricated as you get older.
Methotrexate (MTX) is now the most popular drug worldwide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Germany is renowned for its advanced medical technology and highly skilled healthcare professionals. The country's healthcare system is among the best globally, offering innovative treatments like biologic therapies and minimally invasive surgeries.
You'll likely receive a cortisone shot, also called a steroid injection, as a first-line treatment. Cortisone shots are effective for many patients in quickly reducing inflammation and pain directly inside the joint, but they come with a few precautions.
Options for Treating and Managing Flare-Ups
While arthritis is not hereditary, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition if one, or both, of your parents have been diagnosed with the condition. This is especially true for autoimmune arthritic conditions like rheumatic arthritis. Autoimmune diseases run in families.