There are literally hundreds of different arthritis medications on the market. These medications fall into a few general categories--NSAIDs, analgesics, biologics, corticosteroids, DMARDs, fibromyalgia medications, osteoporosis medications, and gout medications. Each of these groups of medications addresses arthritis in a different way. The last group of medications, natural medications, has gained popularity in recent years.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work on almost all forms of arthritis. Analgesics were designed to reduce the amount of pain arthritis victims frequently have to deal with. Biologics work to inhibit proteins called cytokines which play an active role in the body's inflammation process. Biologics became a last resort drug when DMARDs don't work out. Corticosteroids work effectively to ease inflammation, but the side effects can be dangerous.

The Different Types of Arthritis Medications

DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) work to alter the course of the conditions surrounding inflammation. These drugs are often given in the early stages of arthritis because these drugs take some time to show results. Fibromyalgia medications address the muscles surrounding the joints and osteoporosis medications specifically address osteoporosis (go figure). Gout medications reduce uric acid in the blood, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.

There are some so-called "natural medications" for arthritis that have demonstrated some noteworthy results. Most of these treatments specifically address the pain associated with arthritis and bursitis. They provide temporary pain relief. There are usually little to no side effects linked to natural medications and they're usually much less expensive. Those two reasons make natural medications worth a try.