Treatments for Gout
Gout and gouty arthritis are caused by excess uric acid in the blood being deposited in joints as crystals and causing inflammation, with its associated pain and swelling. Medications used for treating gout prevent uric acid crystal being deposited in the joints, which reduces inflammation and include.
- Probenecid a uricosuric drug that works by acting directly on the kidneys to limit the amount of uric acid in the blood and reduce crystal formation. This allows the crystals already in the joints to dissolve and the pain and swelling to be reduced.
- Colchicine inhibits migration of inflammatory leucocytes and also inhibits phagocytosis (ingestion) of uric acid crystals thereby reducing the amount of inflammatory chemicals released, which helps break the inflammation cycle. Colchicine also inhibits uric acid crystal deposition, which need a low pH (acid conditions), by increasing the pH and reducing acidity.
Treatments for osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints caused by wear and tear, where the cartilage around the bone is worn away, most commonly in the hands, feet, hips and spine.
Cartilage plays an important role in joints by cushioning the bones and protecting them from rubbing against each other. Aging and injury can cause rapid degeneration of the cartilage and also, with age, less is produced. Glucosamine and chondroitin are building blocks for the synthesis of cartilage by the body. Dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin contribute to the synthesis of cartilage and may help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and help to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Treatments for haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the anus. A combination medication available as an ointment or as suppositories is used as a treatment for haemorrhoids. Cinchocaine is a local anaesthetic and analgesic that also relaxes spasm of the anal sphincter. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory low potency corticosteroid and together these medications numb the pain, reduce the swelling and relieve the irritation and itching associated with haemorrhoids.