Arthritis is the term use to describe inflammation in the joints. The major symptoms are stiffness and joint pain and they get worse as one becomes older. Treatment mode chosen will be dependent on the type of condition. The various forms of treatment are aimed at minimizing symptoms and enabling those affected to lead better lives. When considering arthritis pain relief Toledo residents have many options to consider.
There are instances in which one is likely to try various treatments to be able to know the best options. The medications used are varied. There are analgesics that help in reducing pain but never have any effect on inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, on the other hand reduce both pain and inflammation. There are NSAIDs that can only be gotten by prescription. The ones that are taken orally could cause stomach irritations or increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. They are also available as creams or gels and are rubbed on joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams and ointments that contain menthol or capsaicin. The latter is the ingredient that makes hot pepper spicy. When these preparations are rubbed on the skin, they will interfere with pain signal transmission from the joints. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
There are conditions that are better handled through physical therapy. Doing exercises helps to improve the range of motion while strengthening muscles surrounding joints. At times braces and splints have to be used. Surgery will be suggested in instances where conservative options fail to be of help. There are two main forms of surgery that may be performed.
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.
Regular exercising will help in keeping joints flexible. Among the best choices of exercises are water aerobics and swimming. This is because the buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints that bear weight. Heating pads and ice packs are also a good option to use. People can also consider the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and raised toilet seats.
The credibility of alternative medicine is yet to be fully ascertained but they are used widely as well. Acupuncture is one such option. Needles are inserted at particular points of the skin. This is believed to help in minimizing pain.
Yoga and massage are also effective. The slow and stretching movements of yoga improve flexibility of joints and the range of motion in those affected. Massage increases blood flow. The affected joints are warmed, relieving pain temporarily. The therapist should know the affected joints.
There are instances in which one is likely to try various treatments to be able to know the best options. The medications used are varied. There are analgesics that help in reducing pain but never have any effect on inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, on the other hand reduce both pain and inflammation. There are NSAIDs that can only be gotten by prescription. The ones that are taken orally could cause stomach irritations or increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. They are also available as creams or gels and are rubbed on joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams and ointments that contain menthol or capsaicin. The latter is the ingredient that makes hot pepper spicy. When these preparations are rubbed on the skin, they will interfere with pain signal transmission from the joints. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
There are conditions that are better handled through physical therapy. Doing exercises helps to improve the range of motion while strengthening muscles surrounding joints. At times braces and splints have to be used. Surgery will be suggested in instances where conservative options fail to be of help. There are two main forms of surgery that may be performed.
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.
Regular exercising will help in keeping joints flexible. Among the best choices of exercises are water aerobics and swimming. This is because the buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints that bear weight. Heating pads and ice packs are also a good option to use. People can also consider the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and raised toilet seats.
The credibility of alternative medicine is yet to be fully ascertained but they are used widely as well. Acupuncture is one such option. Needles are inserted at particular points of the skin. This is believed to help in minimizing pain.
Yoga and massage are also effective. The slow and stretching movements of yoga improve flexibility of joints and the range of motion in those affected. Massage increases blood flow. The affected joints are warmed, relieving pain temporarily. The therapist should know the affected joints.
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