Arthritis is the condition in which there is inflammation in one or more joints. Joint pain and stiffness are the main symptoms. These tend to worsen as one grows older. The mode of treatment will vary depending on the type of the condition. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and ensuring the affected people lead quality lives. In considering arthritis pain relief Toledo residents have many options.
There are times when one may have to try a number of treatment options or combinations of methods to get the best results. The use of medications is common and there are many drugs in use. Analgesics are prescribed to reduce ache but never deal with the inflammation. To achieve pain and inflammation relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only gotten through prescription. The oral NSAIDs bring about stomach irritation or increase the risk of stroke. The drugs are also available as creams and gels.
Counter-irritants are the creams that have capsaicin and menthol. Capsaicin is the ingredient which makes hot pepper spicy. These preparations when rubbed on the skin interfere with transmission of pain from the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These prevent the immune system from attacking joints.
For some conditions, physical therapy will help. By doing exercises, there will be improvement of the range of motion and also strengthening of muscles that surround the joints. There are instances in which splints and braces have to be used. In the event that conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be suggested. There are two forms of surgery that can be used.
Joint replacement surgery involves removing joints that are damaged, then replacing them with artificial joints. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced ones. Smaller joints are treated through joint fusion surgery. These include finger, ankle and wrist joints. Other than surgery and medications, lifestyle and home remedies are also used. For example, obese persons should consider weight loss for reduction of stress on joints that bear weight. This will also increase mobility and minimize chances of future joint injuries.
When exercising is done regularly, joints are kept flexible. Swimming and water aerobics are among the best choices for exercising because water buoyancy reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Ice packs and heating pads are effective methods too when it comes to reducing ache. Canes, raised toilets and walkers are among the assistive devices that may be used.
People use alternative medicine but their credibility is yet to be ascertained. One of these is acupuncture. It involves the use of fine needles that are inserted at specific points on the skin. This is done for the sake of reducing pain.
Also effective is the use of yoga and massage. Yoga involves slow and stretching movements that enhance how flexible the joints are and improve movement. Massage on the other hand improves blood flow. Affected joints are warmed and thus pain is relieved for some time. Therapists should know the affected joints prior to massage.
There are times when one may have to try a number of treatment options or combinations of methods to get the best results. The use of medications is common and there are many drugs in use. Analgesics are prescribed to reduce ache but never deal with the inflammation. To achieve pain and inflammation relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only gotten through prescription. The oral NSAIDs bring about stomach irritation or increase the risk of stroke. The drugs are also available as creams and gels.
Counter-irritants are the creams that have capsaicin and menthol. Capsaicin is the ingredient which makes hot pepper spicy. These preparations when rubbed on the skin interfere with transmission of pain from the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These prevent the immune system from attacking joints.
For some conditions, physical therapy will help. By doing exercises, there will be improvement of the range of motion and also strengthening of muscles that surround the joints. There are instances in which splints and braces have to be used. In the event that conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be suggested. There are two forms of surgery that can be used.
Joint replacement surgery involves removing joints that are damaged, then replacing them with artificial joints. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced ones. Smaller joints are treated through joint fusion surgery. These include finger, ankle and wrist joints. Other than surgery and medications, lifestyle and home remedies are also used. For example, obese persons should consider weight loss for reduction of stress on joints that bear weight. This will also increase mobility and minimize chances of future joint injuries.
When exercising is done regularly, joints are kept flexible. Swimming and water aerobics are among the best choices for exercising because water buoyancy reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Ice packs and heating pads are effective methods too when it comes to reducing ache. Canes, raised toilets and walkers are among the assistive devices that may be used.
People use alternative medicine but their credibility is yet to be ascertained. One of these is acupuncture. It involves the use of fine needles that are inserted at specific points on the skin. This is done for the sake of reducing pain.
Also effective is the use of yoga and massage. Yoga involves slow and stretching movements that enhance how flexible the joints are and improve movement. Massage on the other hand improves blood flow. Affected joints are warmed and thus pain is relieved for some time. Therapists should know the affected joints prior to massage.
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