Finding the Best Way to Deal with Your Arthritis Pain

When it comes to arthritis pain, it can be a debilitating health condition to deal with. The burning, throbbing pain can make it hard to get through basic daily activities. So, finding a solution to your pain and suffering is a priority. 

The problem with arthritis is that there is no cure, but there are ways to manage the pain. Here are just a few of them:

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications and Creams

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects over 53 million people in the U.S. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and joint diseases that affect sufferers. Each type evolves in a different way, produces different symptoms and responds differently to treatment. One of the main symptoms in almost every type of arthritis is joint pain and stiffness. For most people, the onset of arthritis or just receiving a diagnosis means finding instant relief for the pain. Looking toward over-the-counter pain medications is often the first resort. Anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling—both which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. 

When researching quick pain relief from arthritis, certain creams may come up. Creams like Arthritis Wonder that naturally relieve pain and contain natural ingredients such as wogonin, can help make pain more bearable. Most are non-greasy, affordable and easy to apply. These natural combined methods may give you some temporary relief until you can get in to see your rheumatologist or family doctor.

Natural Remedies and Self Care

Making your overall health a top priority is one of the best ways to ensure that your arthritis pain doesn’t get too out of control. Exercise is one way to do this. If you’ve been physically cleared to exercise, getting at least 30 to 60 minutes of low-impact aerobic activity each day may help improve your arthritis. This is because you are building up muscle mass and working your muscles to improve blood flow. Be careful not to overdo it as this could make your arthritis worse. Practicing stretching through yoga or pre-workout can also help boost oxygen to your muscles and help reduce the likelihood of a new injury. Hot-and-cold therapy is another way to help deal with arthritis. A hot tub can alleviate tired joints, whereas applying an ice pack to your knee or lower back can numb overactive pain in these areas.

Physical and Aquatic Therapies

Your doctor may recommend specific therapies when it comes to treating your arthritis. This could be through physical therapy. A physical therapist will target and hone-in on the affected area. For example, if you have arthritis in your neck and shoulders, your physical therapist will focus on these areas by implementing stretching, and muscle relaxation exercises. He may also massage the area afterward to help loosen up knots in your muscles. Aquatic therapy may also help with your arthritis if you have rheumatoid arthritis or your arthritis is affecting your life greatly. Improving range of motion should be the main goal for every type of therapy. Swimming and stretching in the pool can help improve movement and build strength with less impact on the rest of your body. Because swimming can be low-impact on your muscles, it makes muscle recovery time minimal and may reduce your overall pain levels.

Medical Intervention

Arthritis often settles in areas that were once injured or weakened due to excessive strain. Age, heredity and other underlying illnesses can also be triggers for some forms of arthritis. But in some cases, there is no cause for what triggered your arthritis symptoms. Whatever your type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or another kind, sometimes over the counter meds are just not enough. One option may be a cortisone or corticosteroid shot in the affected area. This is often done with a guided ultrasound to target the specific area. Most treatments last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks or months of numbness and pain relief. Surgery may be the last option, especially if there is an underlying injury or the pain is so drastic that part of your joint needs repair or replacement. The end result should be better range of motion and improved pain control.

Arthritis ranges from minor aches and pains to having debilitating and sometimes crippling effects. Don’t let arthritis control your life. Ask your doctor about both natural and medicinal treatment and choose which one is best for you.

Photo by Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos