According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 50 million adults nationwide suffer from chronic arthritis pain. For this reason, it is the leading cause of disability in the US. Even with all the research, it is a disease that is still not well-understood. What is known is that there are several types of arthritis. They include:
According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 50 million adults nationwide suffer from chronic arthritis pain. For this reason, it is the leading cause of disability in the US. Even with all the research, it is a disease that is still not well-understood. What is known is that there are several types of arthritis.
They include: Degenerative arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are just a few examples, Infectious arthritis caused by food poisoning, sexually transmitted diseases, or hepatitis C, Metabolic arthritis such as gout.
The doctor is the first line of defense against arthritis pain. But what can be done between visits? Here are just a few simple remedies for reducing arthritis pain.
Arthritis pain in the morning is usually due more to stiffness than inflammation. So it makes sense to use a heating pad to warm up the affected area. Once the joint that is causing pain warms up a little, it is easier to move around. The increased movement will then help further relieve pain.
On the other hand, it is better to use an ide pack to relieve inflammation. Whether the inflammation is caused by a long day of work or a good, productive exercise session, ice will help calm those inflamed areas and speed pain relief.
Several over-the-counter pain relief creams provide safe, temporary relief from arthritis pain by blocking the skin's pain receptors. The active ingredients are either menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, or a combination of all three.
While not a "salt," this magnesium-based compound helps circulate warm water, giving the bathwater a tingling, buoyant feeling. Similar to pain relief creams, it helps block the skin's pain receptors providing temporary relief.
Gentle massage of muscles around an aching joint can feel really good. It can also release tight muscles around the joints, increasing range of motion and function.
Along the lines of massage is trigger point therapy, which uses a form of acupressure to normalize knotted up muscle tissue that can cause referred pain. By releasing these areas of knotted fiber, the muscles around the joint can function better.
Emerging the affected area in a warm wax solution can have a pain-relieving effect. Not only does it relax the muscles around the joints, but it can also inhibit the skin's pain receptors, providing temporary pain relief.
There are several tubs and containers available to facilitate paraffin therapy. These include small basins designed for the hand to large bathtub units intended to relieve knee and lower limb pain.
Electrical nerve stimulation works to disrupt the skin's pain receptors with small electrical stimulation impulses around the affected area.
Home units of differing sizes and capacities are available and should be used under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified medical practitioner.
Sometimes called dry needling, acupuncture is a system of small metal needles inserted at various locations of the body. The goal is pain relief through neuromuscular stimulation at each site.
Even though the scientific evidence for acupuncture's efficacy is a bit sketchy, more and more medical practices and pain clinics are using it with other therapies.
Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on, manual therapy that employs highly specialized techniques to release soft tissue one layer at a time. Unlike massage, MFR takes a tissue area right up to the point of its maximum resistance barrier and holds it. Only until the therapist feels its release is the next barrier challenged.
MFR is especially useful for arthritis pain sufferers. It allows the soft tissue around a joint to release, relieving pressure around it and thereby relieving localized pain in that area.
Old standbys such as aspirin and ibuprofen may be the only solution to fast relief of debilitating pain. Although these over-the-counter pain relievers have gotten a bad rap in recent years, they can be very effective in slowing the pain until a more permanent solution can be found.
Sometimes it is better to try and prevent arthritis pain. Here are just a few examples of the more traditional methods.
High levels of acid in the body can cause pain around the joints. Acid-producing foods such as red meat, eggs, and foods high in saturated fats can contribute to the body's acidic environment. By reducing or avoiding the consumption of these foods, there is a greater chance of arthritis pain prevention.
Cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel have high anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed and flax meal are also beneficial for reducing inflammation.
Water will help lubricate the joints and keep them healthy. Dehydration is the cause of a wide range of ailments, including arthritis pain.
Activities such as yoga and tai-chi are beneficial for preventing arthritis pain. The gentle stretching movements help relax muscles and tendons and help increase joint function.
Heavy weight lifting in the gym can cause the joints to compress and cause pain.
Also, avoid prolonged periods where the body is held in one place under stress for long periods.
Cigarette smoke and nicotine contribute to an overall toxic environment in the body and also speed up the degradation of bones and soft tissue around the joint.
Substances high in caffeine such as coffee and soda contribute to the body's acid production and should be avoided.
Alcohol consumption can not only increase the acid environment in the body, but it can also lead to chronic dehydration. Besides, it can speed up the process of bone loss in people with osteoporosis.
There is no cure for arthritis at this time. But by taking a holistic approach to pain relief, some more invasive and damaging drug therapies may be avoided in the long run.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.