Can Antidepressant Medication Ease Arthritis Pain?

Whether duloxetine, a medication that is prescribed to treat depression can benefit patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis was examined recently by a clinical trial published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Hardly anyone escapes the annoyance of occasional aches and pains, especially as they age. But persistent joint pain and stiffness can be signs of arthritis, which affects more than 54.4 million American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Osteoarthritis - Causes, Symptoms, DIagnosis, Treatment, FAQs
Osteoarthritis is one of the commonest joint disorder and occurs as we age due to wear and tear of a joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body.

‘Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication that eases chronic pain did not reduce arthritis pain.’

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By 2040, an estimated 78 million American adults are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

In this new trial, patients experiencing chronic osteoarthritis-related pain in the hip or knee that did not go away with over-the-counter medications, 66 were randomized to duloxetine added to usual care and 66 were randomized to usual care alone.

The trial’s investigators found that duloxetine did not lessen pain at 3 months or 12 months.

Tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are you experiencing pain in the joints? You might have Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition affecting joints and results in pain and joint deformities. It is diagnosed by radiology and blood tests.

However, there was no clinically relevant effect of duloxetine added to usual care compared to usual care alone for chronic osteoarthritis pain, and so it cannot be implemented.

Joint Pain Symptom Evaluation
Joint pain is a common problem that affects individuals of all ages. A diagnosis of the underlying cause of joint pain is y possible based on the symptoms of the patient, along with certain specific tests.

Source-Medindia

Diet, Nutrition and Supplements for Osteo-Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should consume a diet rich in natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients and avoid foods like sugar, saturated fats, and trans fatty acids.