A range of treatments exists to alleviate your arthritis pain.
The intensity of arthritis pain can vary. Sometimes the pain is merely discomforting, but at other times it can nearly cripple you. No matter what level of pain that you experience with arthritis, there is a treatment to address your suffering. From home remedies to powerful medications, you can find a solution to your swollen and painful joints.
Analgesics
One of several recommended analgesics can reduce the swelling and pain associated with bouts of arthritis. Talk to your doctor about which of these over-the-counter drugs is right for your condition. Aspirin is traditional, but some physicians shy away from recommending it because of side effects that include stomach ailments. Acetaminophen is an alternative to aspirin. It has no immediate side effects, but large doses have been linked to liver problems.
Prescription Drugs
Your physician will probably prescribe drugs if your arthritis is severe or prolonged. A number of effective drugs are on the market and they come in four classes of medication. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed, but they may cause serious side effects and create complications when certain other maladies are present. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include large doses of ibuprofen and naproxen. Instead of masking the pain, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologic response modifiers also are effective, but may have serious side effects.
Prevention
When you exercise or do any physical labor, protect your joints so that your activities do not instigate or exacerbate the pain. Avoid lifting even light objects with your fingers if those are the joints that suffer most from arthritis. If your knees are bad, use elevators and handicap entrances rather than climb stairs into buildings. If you have to use joints afflicted with arthritis, look for instruments that might aid you, such as walking devices or ergonomically designed tools.
Lose Weight
Shedding extra pounds will relieve the burden on your hips, knees and ankles. You can achieve this weight loss through exercises appropriate for your condition and by adhering to a nutritious diet. Consult with your physician or with a registered dietitian about take this step without causing yourself additional harm. Losing weight is also good for your health in a variety of other ways.
Rest
A regular exercise regimen has secondary benefits, as well. For instance, it will help you sleep more deeply at night. Also, look for opportunities to rest during the day. When arthritis pain flares up, stop moving or working and let your joints rest. If possible, apply heat to your joints or take a warm bath.
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