Commonly used drugs for arthritis treatment:
(1) Sodium hyaluronate for arthritis treatment: It is the main component of synovial fluid in joints and one of the components of cartilage matrix. In the joint, it plays a lubricating role and reduces friction between tissues. After injection into the joint cavity, it can significantly improve the inflammatory response of synovial tissue, enhance the viscosity and lubrication function of joint fluid, protect joint cartilage, promote the healing and regeneration of joint cartilage, relieve pain, and increase the range of motion of joints. It is often injected into the joint at 25mg per injection, once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. This method of arthritis treatment requires strict sterile operation.
(2) Glucosamine for arthritis treatment: It is the most important monosaccharide that constitutes glycosaminoglycans (GS) and proteoglycans in the matrix of joint cartilage. A normal person can synthesize GS through the amination of glucose. However, in patients undergoing arthritis treatment, the synthesis of GS in chondrocytes is blocked or insufficient, leading to softening of the cartilage matrix and loss of elasticity, destruction of collagen fiber structure, and an increase in the number of cavities on the surface of the cartilage, causing bone wear and damage. Glucosamine can block the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, promote the synthesis of proteoglycans with normal structure by chondrocytes, and inhibit the production of enzymes (such as collagenase, phospholipase A2) that damage tissues and cartilage, reducing the damage to chondrocytes, improving joint mobility, relieving joint pain, and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Oral administration of 250-500mg per time, three times a day, this drug for arthritis treatment should be taken with meals for best results.
(3) Nonsteroidal analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis treatment: They can inhibit the synthesis of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins, counteract inflammatory reactions, and relieve joint swelling and pain. Ibuprofen can be selected at 200-400mg per time, three times a day; or glucosamine zinc sulfate at 200mg per time, three times a day; or nimesulide at 100mg per time, twice a day, continuously for 4-6 weeks.
Source: Arthritis Treatment Network http://www.chinakry.com/guanjieyanzhiliao2.asp