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Arthritis Pain Relief
For arthritis pain relief, especially in the early stages, you may find that over the counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen may be helpful. Also there is power in heat and cold! The Arthritis Foundations guide to Pain Management states that "Two the the simplest, least expensive and most effective methods of pain relief are heat and cold treatments". See heat and cold therapy below. To learn more about heating pads visit: Heating Pads There are three main steps to finding arthritis pain relief. 1) If regular over the counter treatments and rest have not helped, call your doctor to set up an appointment. 2)With the help of your Doctor, find out the cause of your pain. The pain is a symptom of a disease or problem. Treatments will address the cause of the disease - such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. A doctors examination may include:Medical history, a blood test, a physical exam, x-rays and Athroscopy 3) Only when you know the cause of your pain can you go to the third step: creating a comprehensive chronic pain management plan that works. Heat and Cold Therapy can actually help reduce stiffness and pain. Recently scientist have proven that heat actually works much like some of the pain relievers such as aspirin. Cold packs numb the area, helping reduce the swelling and inflammation. Both of which can cause pain. Heat and cold work really well for joint pain caused by a flare. Heat improves blood circulation and relaxes muscles. You can use either dry heat, such as heating pads, or heat lamps. Or you can use moist heat like a heated wash cloth or warm bath. Doctors recommend the use of heat or cold for 20-25 minute periods. Long periods of heat or cold can actually do more damage than good. When using any heating or cooling method caution should always be used and follow supplied instructions. Reducing the stress on your joints can help reduce the pain. Ways to reduce joint stress is: -Strengthen the surrounding muscles by proper exercising. -learning proper methods of lifting, bending, reaching, standing and sitting. -Avoid activities that aggravate already painful joints. -Loosing weight can reduce stress on joints -Use items or “gadgets” that make actions easier. For example, reach extenders, zipper-pullers, can and jar openers. Ask for help from friends and family members Get enough and proper sleep, practice good nutrition. Massages, relaxation techniques, like yoga. Surgery and acupuncture Treatment for arthritis may include one or a combination of the following: Heat therapy, cold pack therapy, aromatherpy, medications, surgery, analgesics, implants, alternative therapy, herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals, dietary changes, massage and manipulation therapy, bio-feedback, exercise, stress relief and consulting a Pain Center or Pain Clinic. Click here for more information on
arthritis pain relief,
the Arthritis Foundation.
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