As I’ve said, there are all sorts of treatments available for arthritic patients. In a recent study it was shown that the more expensive medicinal treatments may not actually be any more effective for treating the condition than the much cheaper steroid treatment. Steroids are used to treat all sorts of inflammatory conditions as they help to reduce swelling, asthmatic inhalers are full of corticosteroids which target the respiratory system and prevent inflammation.
For those who have to pay for healthcare it’d be a good idea to get a second opinion on any treatment you’re prescribed as another doctor may give you a cheaper one that’s just as potent. At the end of the day it’s your comfort and health which is the most important thing and if one treatment works better for you than another then it’s important that you take that treatment. This may take some trial and error and long conversations exploring options with your Doctor, but it could be the difference between you living in pain and you being able to enjoy your life.