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Arthritis in its many forms (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile, etc.) is a debilitating problem for millions of people around the world. The problem is so widespread that an organization, the arthritis foundation, was created to help educate and find causes and hopefully a cure for the disease. Many suffer from joint pain and discomfort in their ankle, knee, hip, shoulder or many other places in their body. Early diagnosis of the condition is always good good. Sufferers seeking relief, remedies, and treatments will find no shortage of ways to deal with the degenerative and chronic symptoms... (continued after the below article)

Working with a qualified doctor for your arthritis treatment is an important aspect of a person's battle with arthritis. Here's some tips regarding medication and treatment from a physician.

Arthritis Treatment - A Medication Guide for Arthritis Patients: Do's and Don'ts

by Nathan Wei

Arthritis patients require relief from their pain. They also require direction when it comes to medications.

Since these patients are often seen by multiple physicians, clear and direct information about how to manage their medications is important.

Here are some useful tips.

Safety In the Doctor’s Office...

• Keep a list of medicines you are taking (Rx, OTC, herbals)

• Bring list and your medications to show the doctor

• Describe bad medication reactions you have had in the past

• Understand what your medications are for and their effects

• Understand how to talk them (e.g., how many, how often, what to do if a dose is missed)

• Write down how to take your medications

• Assure you have enough medications to last to next visit

• Understand what bad reactions might occur from your medications and when to call the doctor

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express concerns

Safety in the Home

• Ask family members to help you remember to take your medications

• Don’t run out of your regular medications

• Read the Rx label each time you take your medication

• Don’t take medications in darkness

• Follow the doctor’s directions – if not, tell the doctor why you are taking them differently

• Store medications out of reach of children – do not refer to medications as “candy”

• Avoid using someone else’s prescription medication

• Call your doctor if you think you are having a bad reaction to your medication

Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Wei

(continued from before the article) ...There are prescription and over the counter drugs and medications (like Celebrex, Celecoxib, Ketoprofen, Oruvail, Orudis, Meclofenamate, Meclomen, Naproxen, Naprosyn, COX-2 enzyme inhibitors, and NSAIDS to name just a few) as well as natural alternative approaches like nutritional supplements, vitamins, natural and herbal remedies (like MSM, chondroitin, glucosamine sulfate to name a couple). Diet and exercise are considered by many to be a significant part of the puzzle. Wow. This can be pretty confusing... Severe and advanced cases sometimes require radical measures like joint replacement surgery. If you search the Internet, you will find no shortage of facts, knowledge and information on the matter. With so much study, clinical tests from doctors and medical practitioners, and such broad beliefs about the causes and cures for arthritis it is difficult to know what the authoritative answer is. I certainly don't have it. But... I've collected a broad range of information that I've found interesting and informative. It's just a start... but we have to start somewhere.