Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints leading to stiffness, inflammation, swelling, tenderness, and pain among other symptoms. Arthritis can strike at any age even though it is often associated with the elderly. Nearly 40 million Americans deal with arthritis. Of that number nearly 60 percent are women and almost a quarter million are children. The good news is that there are treatments available for this often painful condition. Here are three things that you should be aware of when it comes to treating arthritis. 

Medication Can Help

The first thing that you should be aware of is that there are plenty of medications already on the market that are designed to treat arthritis and each year more are introduced. Your rheumatologist will advise you on the best treatment for your arthritis. The cost of medication can vary depending on the type of medication used and your particular needs. While some are able to get relief using over-the-counter pain relievers, others need the help of prescription medication. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, and biologics are often used to treat arthritis. DMARDs cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 annually while biologics can range from $1,300 to $3,000 per month. 

Outpatient Therapy Can Relieve Symptoms

Physical therapy can also help you deal with many of the issues caused by arthritis. There are plenty of outpatient therapy services available that can help you strengthen your muscles enough to help support the joints damaged by arthritis, reduce stiffness, and improve your flexibility and range of motion. Combined with medication, physical therapy can be a powerful treatment that makes day to day life easier for those who suffer from arthritis. The average cost of physical therapy is between $50 and $350 per session.

Weight Loss Can Also Help

When it comes to arthritis, being overweight has been linked to increased pain. Extra weight can put even more pressure on already sensitive joints, leading to additional discomfort. Losing weight can reduce much of the pressure on your joints and even lead to a decrease in pain and inflammation. There are a variety of weight loss programs that can help you take off excess weight and keep it off. If you are overweight and have arthritis, asking your doctor for advice on losing weight can be very helpful when it comes to managing your arthritis.

Arthritis is something that millions of Americans deal with on a daily basis. The good news is that there are ways to treat this condition. If you have arthritis, medication, physical therapy, and weight loss can help alleviate your symptoms. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Levi Hospital.