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Arthritis treatment available online today

Request arthritis treatment today from our trusted, board-certified online doctors and find relief from joint pain today. Get a new prescription for arthritis or refill an existing prescription today.*

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Expert Arthritis treatment and guidance onlie

Relief from joint aches and pains

Learn how to incorporate lifestyle changes

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of arthritis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Arthritis treatment services

Arthritis is a disorder of the joints that typically involves inflammation. A joint refers to a point in the body where two bones meet. A joint’s function is to provide stability and support movement. The literal meaning of arthritis is "inflammation of one or more joints." Arthritis is usually accompanied by joint pain, or arthralgia.

Understanding what kind of arthritis you have will inform what kind of arthritis medication and treatment to discuss with our online doctors. No matter what kind of arthritis you have, there are options for arthritis medication, treatment, and lifestyle changes that can help you manage your joint pain symptoms. 

Some common types of arthritis include:  

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is an incredibly common joint disease. Like many types of arthritis, it is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body is attacking healthy joint tissues.

    Learn more about Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wearing down of cartilage in between the joints over time.

    Learn more about Osteoarthritis

  • Gout

    Gout involves joint inflammation due to uric acid buildup.

    Learn more about Gout

  • Lupus

    Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in different regions of the body, including the joints.

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

    Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine.

  • Psoriatic arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis is related to a skin condition called psoriasis.

  • Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia causes pain throughout the body, which then can also cause fatigue and sleep issues.

  • Scleroderma

    Scleroderma involves the skin hardening and becoming tight.

Arthritis causes

The causes of arthritis vary depending on which kind of arthritis you have. Causes of arthritis can include:

  • Normal wear and tear on your joints: This can cause a reduction of cartilage, a firm but flexible connective tissue that sits in your joints, nose and ears. Cartilage is meant to protect the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created when you move or put weight on them. The wearing down of this cartilage can cause inflammation, pain, and ultimately arthritis in the joints. This is true with osteoarthritis, which is common in elderly people.

  • Infections: Getting an infection, combined with aging or other health issues, can trigger certain types of arthritis. 

  • Metabolic abnormalities: This can contribute to conditions such as gout and pseudogout.

  • Injuries: Just like breaking a bone, you can also cause damage to your joints. In some cases, this damage can trigger chronic joint problems when mixed with other health conditions and aging. 

  • Autoimmune disorders: Unfortunately, this has to do with the genetic lottery- some people are predisposed to certain kinds of joint inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, even without any other factors. 

Arthritis symptoms

While the main symptoms of arthritis have to do with joint pain and functionality, arthritis can cause symptoms that affect more than just the joints. When a person has arthritis, various organs of the body are susceptible to change.

  • Common arthritis symptoms include: 

    • Joint pain

    • Joint stiffness

    • Joint swelling

    • Skin redness in the affected area 

    • Joint tenderness

    • Joint warmth

    • Limping

    • Locking of the joint

    • Weakness

    • Loss of range of motion in the joint

    • Fever

    • Swollen lymph nodes

    • Weight loss

    • Fatigue

    • Feeling unwell

    • Anemia

    • Other issues with the lungs, heart or kidneys (depending on severity)

How to treat arthritis

Arthritis is classified as a rheumatic disease, which means that it's a disease that affects your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles. Many rheumatic diseases also have the potential to affect internal body areas. Each rheumatic disease is different and requires a specialized treatment plan.

Arthritis treatment focuses on pain reduction and prevention of further damage to the joints. Pain treatment is specific to the individual, so it will take some time to figure out what management techniques work for you. Some people find that heating pads and ice packs do the trick, while others might use movement assistance devices like canes or walkers to help take pressure off sore joints.

  • Improving joint function is also crucial to managing your arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of treatment methods to achieve best results, which generally includes physical therapy, home remedies, cold-pack application, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, biologic medications, immune-altering medications, and/or surgical operations. Some arthritic pain requires injections for treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis may require medications to suppress the immune system.

    As with many conditions, the best treatment plan is a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy (mental or physical). 

    While arthritis medication is an incredibly important part of your treatment, you can make other changes to relieve arthritis pain, such as: 

    • Surgery: If a joint is causing pain that is not lessening with medication, it might be helpful to consider joint replacement. 

    • Physical therapy: Physical therapy aids with mobility and strengthening muscles around the affected joint. While it might be painful at first, when monitored by a licensed physical therapist, this therapy can be incredibly helpful with relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of inflammation. 


    Some lifestyle changes that help with joint inflammation and may be put into effect along with arthritis medication include: 

    • Weight loss

    • Healthy diet

    • Avoiding foods that cause inflammation 

    • Regular exercise to increase flexibility 

Arthritis medication

There are many kinds of arthritis medications available, which can be daunting at first. Discussing options with a doctor can help alleviate some of the intimidation over picking out an arthritis medication. 

Some common types of arthritis medications include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    This arthritis medication option will help with pain and inflammation, but also can cause blood thinning. Some NSAID options include:

  • Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

    These medications are helpful for conditions such as gout, as they help reduce uric acid production. These include:

  • Antidepressants

    Certain antidepressants can be effective for pain relief. Those used for arthritis include:

  • Immunosuppressants

    Since many arthritis types are caused by autoimmune disorders, taking immunosuppressants may help decrease common symptoms of arthritis.

  • Corticosteroids

    These medications can help with inflammatory arthritis symptoms. These medications include:

How to prevent arthritis

The major risk factor for arthritis of any kind is genetics. Genetics refer to the qualities and characteristics that are passed on from one family member to another.

Some specific biological factors that are risk factors for arthritis include:

  • Age

    Your risk for acquiring most types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout, increases with age.

  • Previous joint injury

    If you have experienced a joint injury in the past, you are far more likely to eventually develop arthritis in the joint.

  • Your gender

    Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of people who have gout, however, are men

  • Obesity

    Obesity puts extra stress on weight bearing joints, particularly your spine, hips and knees. Obese people have a higher risk of developing arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce joint pain.


    Although the risk factors are mainly genetic, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercising can help with symptom management.

When to see a doctor for arthritis

If you are experiencing joint pain, swelling, tenderness, or redness, you should seek medical treatment from one of our board-licensed doctors. Prescription medications can help make symptoms manageable. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms such as a fever, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Arthritis treatment FAQs

  • What is the most effective treatment for arthritis?

    While there is no cure for arthritis, arthritis medications can help deal with symptoms like inflammation and pain. Most doctors you speak to will suggest combining arthritis medication with other treatment options in order to prevent your inflammation from progressing. This can greatly improve your quality of life for an extended time.

  • What is the best medication for arthritis?

    You can speak to a doctor online from the comfort of your home and get prescriptions for common arthritis medications like Meloxicam, Voltaren, or Celebrex, which are NSAIDs that help with inflammation and pain. Make sure to disclose other medications you may be taking, since NSAIDs might not mix well with other blood thinners. 

  • What does arthritis pain feel like?

    Arthritis pain often feels like a dull aching or burning type of pain. You may also experience a throbbing pain, or sharp, stabbing pain. The joint often feels tender when touched.

  • What is the main cause of arthritis?

    Arthritis causes vary depending on the type of arthritis, but most types are caused by genetic factors. Some other factors that contribute to risk factors for arthritis include normal wearing with age of cartilage and joints, infections, injuries, and autoimmune diseases.

  • Can you make arthritis go away?

    Although there is no cure for arthritis, the mentioned medications, treatments, and lifestyle changes can greatly improve quality of life and help make symptoms manageable.

3 simple steps to request treatment for arthritis today

Step 1

Book an arthritis treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your arthritis symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up prescription for arthritis treatment.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to arthritis

There are several types of arthritis that are related. These include:

Arthritis treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request treatment for arthritis and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

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If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.