Arthritis Pain Relief – Three Methods
Arthritis pain, whether from Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis, has a huge impact on a patient’s day to day life. The pain and stiffness can prevent patients from participating in hobbies and activities they would normally enjoy. As such, the three most common methods of arthritis pain relief are medications, dietary supplements, and exercise. For some patients, medications or dietary supplements alone are enough to give them the arthritis pain relief they need to resume normal activities. However, arthritis pain relief is only one aspect of treatment. Exercise plays an important role, not only in relieving pain, but also in keeping full range of movement in the affected joints.
The use of medications in Arthritis pain relief is generally the first line of defense. Since there are no cures for Rheumatoid arthritis or Osteoarthritis, doctors and patients are left to merely manage symptoms and try to slow the progress of the disease. Medications most commonly used or prescribed for arthritis pain relief are NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. These medications offer arthritis pain relief via anti-inflammatory compounds and analgesics, steroid hormones, or by regulating the body’s inflammatory response system. The use of TNF inhibitors can result in patients being more open to infections.
Dietary supplements can also offer Arthritis pain relief and are usually recommended alongside over the counter or prescription medications. Natural remedies for arthritis pain relief include such herbal supplements as angelica, alfalph, black cohosh, and ginseng. However, certain foods such as red pepper, celery, and pineapple also have qualities that provide arthritis pain relief. Licorice and oregano can also provide relief from the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. There are many supplements available that utilize the pain relieving properties of these foods and herbs to give some measure of comfort to those who suffer from arthritis.
Exercise is also an important part of Arthritis pain relief. Keeping joints and muscles moving can help prevent stiffness and allow patients to retain more range of movement. While exercising may not provide immediate arthritis pain relief, by preventing stiffness, some pain can be averted. Likewise, exercise helps to slow the progress of arthritis and strengthen the muscles around the joint. This provides a certain level of arthritis pain relief by helping to slow the worsening of symptoms which can cause more severe pain later. Most physicians and physical therapists recommend exercise in conjunction with medication therapies and dietary supplements to provide the most arthritis pain relief possible for patients.
