Arthritis: Rheumatoid & osteoarthritis slides compiled by Kyle Hackett, pharmacist at Olden's Pharmacy. Great information on the science behind arthritis, medical practics and tratments for Arthritis

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis
& Osteoarthritis

2. Arthritis
•Broad range of conditions characterized by
inflammation of the joint(s)
•Various causes/types
Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA),
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Septic arthritis,
Psoriatic arthritis, Gout, Lupus
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•Major complaints
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Joint pain (often with muscle and tendon aches)
Reduced activity

3. Visualizing The Damage
Joint space narrowing and sclerosis
of cartilage can be seen on an x-ray
or MRI
OA involves cartilage damage.
RA involves synovial inflammation.

4. Osteoarthritis
•Most common form of arthritis
Over 20 million Americans, F>M, 60+
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•Caused by “wear and tear” on cartilage
Genetics play a role in some cases
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•Can affect any joint
Usually large, weight-bearing joints & hands
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•Presents as pain, stiffness, limited range of
motion
•No cure. Gradually worsens over time.

5. Osteoarthritis - Treatment
Assistance devices such as
canes and walkers can improve
balance and relieve fatigue.
Joint supports are also helpful
in some cases.
Physical therapy helps improve
symptoms by strengthening muscles
and connective tissue. Weight loss
also helps ease pressure on joints.
Medications such as Acetaminophen
(Tylenol®), Glucosamine, and in some
cases Naproxen or Ibuprofen can help
ease pain if taken properly.

6. Osteoarthritis – Topical Treatment
•Pain rubs – for minor, local pain
Capsaicin (chili pepper)
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Capzasin
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Salicylates (aspirin-like)
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Aspercreme, Bengay
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Menthol (cooling)
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Icy-Hot, Biofreeze, Bengay
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•Patches – for minor, local pain

7. Osteoarthritis – Oral Medicines
•Oral medicines – for moderate/severe pain
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) = 1st choice
Over the Counter NSAIDs
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Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
Naproxen (Aleve®)
Aspirin
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Prescription NSAIDs
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Indomethacin, Piroxicam, Ketoprofen, Celebrex®,
Diclofenac, Nabumetone, and MANY others
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Other prescriptions

8. Osteoarthritis – Alternatives
•Glucosamine sulfate
Taken by mouth, twice daily, with food
A supplement that might help replenish natural
joint lubricants, decrease inflammation, and reduce
pain
Symptomatic relief only?
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•Sodium hyaluronate
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Injected into the knee by your doctor
Increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid
Symptomatic relief only?

9. Rheumatoid Arthritis
•Systemic
Exhaustion, weight loss, muscle pain
Auto-immune
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•Inflammatory, Usually symmetric
•Bio-markers present in blood
•Can cause deformity
•Cause of disease is not clear
•Not life-shortening if treated appropriately
•Several treatment options are available

10. Rheumatoid Arthritis - Treatment
•Blood tests, Rheumatologist monitoring
•Initial: Anti-inflammatory to help with
pain/inflammation
•Next step: “Disease-modifying” drugs
Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Azathioprine, etc.
Remicade®, Enbrel®, Humira®, etc.
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•Walking devices, physical therapy, rest, weight
reduction, and sometimes surgery

11. Advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid nodules
Rheumatoid lung disease

12. Thank you for listening!
Any Questions?

13. Sources
•Images from
Arthritislegpain.us (1st image)
Emedicine.medscape.com (2nd image)
vivajoyhealthclub.wordpress.com (3rd image)
Emedicinehealth.com (4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th
images)
Walkersforseniorsonline.com (8th image)
Images.rheumatology.org (9th image)
Pulmonarylungdisease.info (10th image)
Healthdiet2.com (11th image)
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•References
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Schuna AA. Rheumatoid Arthritis. In: Dipiro JT,
Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey LM,