Forms Of Arthritis Pain Relief Toledo

By Jocelyn Davidson


Arthritis is the condition in which there is inflammation in one or more joints. Joint pain and stiffness are the main symptoms. These tend to worsen as one grows older. The mode of treatment will vary depending on the type of the condition. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and ensuring the affected people lead quality lives. In considering arthritis pain relief Toledo residents have many options.

There are times when one may have to try a number of treatment options or combinations of methods to get the best results. The use of medications is common and there are many drugs in use. Analgesics are prescribed to reduce ache but never deal with the inflammation. To achieve pain and inflammation relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only gotten through prescription. The oral NSAIDs bring about stomach irritation or increase the risk of stroke. The drugs are also available as creams and gels.

Counter-irritants are creams that have the components capsaicin and menthol. The former is the substance used to make hot peppers spicy. When they are rubbed on the skin, these preparations ensure there is no transmission of pain signals from joints. Rheumatoid arthritis gets treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs stop the immune system from attacking 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 involves removal of the damaged joints and replacing them with artificial ones. Knees and hips are the commonly replaced joints. For smaller joints, joint fusion surgery is used. Such joints include those in the ankle, fingers and wrists. Besides surgery and the use of medications, there is the use of lifestyle and home remedies. For instance, those that are obese should lose weight to reduce the stress on joints that bear the weight. Mobility will be improved and future joint injury limited.

Through regular exercising, the joints will be kept flexible. The best exercises are swimming and water aerobics. These are good exercises because the up-thrust force of water reduces joint stress. The use of heating pads and ice packs also reduces pain. There are persons that also consider the use of assistive devices like walkers, raised toilets seats and canes.

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.

Also effective is the use of yoga and massage. Yoga involves slow and stretching movements that enhance how flexible the joints are and improve movement. Massage on the other hand improves blood flow. Affected joints are warmed and thus pain is relieved for some time. Therapists should know the affected joints prior to massage.




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