Though medications are the most commonly used and often the first-tried treatments for arthritis, there are other options. Whether other treatments are used because medications produce an unsatisfactory response, or as an adjunct therapy, it's important to know all of your options. Arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease. As your condition progresses, your treatment plan may be altered to control new symptoms. Treatments may be considered to prevent further damage caused by arthritis or to repair damage already done.