Arthritis Muscle Pain – Causes and Management
Did you know that arthritis is actually a group of over 100 diseases? While many of these conditions have various causes, symptoms, and outcomes, they share one defining feature: arthritis muscle pain. This chronic arthritis muscle pain is caused by several different factors. As we age, joints become damaged, and the cartilage that allows us to move easily breaks down. Inflammation and swelling also cause arthritis muscle pain. Your muscles have to work harder to compensate for joints that do not work the way they should, causing pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, pain leads to stress and muscle tension, which causes even more pain. Fortunately, there are many different ways to treat arthritis muscle pain. Let your doctor know what you are feeling, and he or she may suggest a course of action.
The most common way to treat arthritis muscle pain is through the use of medication. Two types of drugs, analgesics, and NSAIDs, are commonly prescribed to arthritis sufferers. Analgesics are pain relievers, but do not treat other arthritis symptoms. This group includes Codeine, Morphine, Vicodin, and Tylenol. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis muscle pain. As inflammation goes down, your joints can move more easily. This in turn reduces arthritis muscle pain. Be aware that using any of these drugs for long periods can result in severe side effects.
Exercise is another good way to reduce arthritis muscle pain. Gentle, low-impact exercises can improve range of motion, relax and strengthen muscles, and improve your mood. If the thought of doing aerobics makes you cringe, try yoga, walking, swimming, or tai chi instead. These exercises stretch your muscles without putting stress on inflamed, painful joints. As an added benefit, exercise will prevent excess pounds from creeping up on you. Extra weight only puts more stress on the joints, causing even more arthritis muscle pain.
There are many dietary supplements you can take to relieve arthritis muscle pain. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), chondroitin, glucosamine, and fish oil all work in different ways to reduce inflammation, increase joint mobility, and reduce pain. MSM has been touted as the cure for arthritis, although research remains inconclusive. Fish oil contains potent Omega-3 Fatty Acids that reduce inflammation and relieve arthritis muscle pain. Chondroitin prevents enzymes from breaking down joint cartilage, while glucosamine aids in cartilage repair. The two are often found together injoint health supplements. None of these dietary supplements are meant to be quick fixes, but instead reduce arthritis muscle pain when taken long term. Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement.
