Treating Arthritis

Aug 5, 2016

Treating Arthritis

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Some 53 million adults in the United States suffer from arthritis. As of now, there is no known cure for arthritis, which makes treating and managing symptoms crucial in order to reduce pain and improve an individual’s quality of life. There are over 100 types of arthritis and related diseases, so the treatment taken would rely heavily on the type of arthritis the patient has been diagnosed with.

Typically, arthritis is treated with a combination of medications, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery. To begin treatment, it is suggested that a specialist is seen. Physicians who specialize in arthritis and arthritis-related conditions can be discussed with a rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist

Lifestyle Changes to Help Arthritis

Weight loss

One of the easiest and best remedies for arthritis, if the extra weight is gone, so is the pain. For every pound lost, a pound of pressure is also lost from aching joints.

Exercise

Staying active makes your joints happy, and physical activity is especially important for those with osteoarthritis. Some physical activities you can do include stretching and water aerobics.

Assistive devices

This could be a number of things. For instance, shoe inserts, canes, splints, braces, and walkers can redistribute weight across the joints and provide extra support where needed.

Alternative Means of Arthritis Relief

Acupuncture

A more alternative method, many people find that acupuncture helps relieve pain.

Capsaicin cream

This can relieve osteoarthritis pain and is also available without a prescription. Made with the substance that gives chili peppers their heat (capsaicin), this cream depletes the nerve ending of pain-transmitting chemicals.

Electricity

Electrical devices can be used to pinpoint areas in pain. The electrical energy can be used to help ease pain and swelling by delivering electromagnetic pulses through the skin.

Type of Specialists

Depending on the stage and type of arthritis experienced, specialists are here to answer questions about medications, develop personal care plans, and even operate on affected areas.

Primary Care physician

A primary care doctor is typically seen when the first possible symptoms of arthritis emerge.

Rheumatologist

Specializing in autoimmune conditions, this specialist can conduct research to find a cause of and further treatment of a rheumatic disease. Common diseases treated by a rheumatologist include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus.

Orthopedic surgeon

These doctors specialize in musculoskeletal tissues and arthritis. They are trained to perform surgery on joints, bones, and muscles.

Physical therapist

A physical therapist can help formulate a routine that is specific to the type of arthritis a patient is suffering from

Talking about Medications

Prescriptions

  • Anti-inflammatory: Diclofenac by mouth or to the affected area (Voltaren), Meloxicam (Mobic), Piroxicam (Feldene), Celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • Pain Reliever: Oxycodone (Oxecta)
  • Steroids: Cortisone

Self-treatment

  • Anti-inflammatory: naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Pain reliever: acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Capsaicin through the skin
  • Take a warm shower to relieve pain and loosen joints

At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is learn more about arthritis—Knowledge is a powerful tool. The better understood arthritis is, the more effectively it can be managed and treated.

Treating Arthritis
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