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.
At certain times, one has to try a number of treatment options or a combination of options for the best outcomes. There are various medications in use. Analgesics are used for reduction of pain but are not the solution to inflammation. For the treatment of soreness and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only bought with prescriptions. Oral NSAIDs may cause irritation of the stomach and increase the risk of heart attack. There are also gels and creams that are rubbed on the joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams that have capsaicin and menthol. Capsaicin is the ingredient which makes hot pepper spicy. These preparations when rubbed on the skin interfere with transmission of pain from the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These prevent the immune system from attacking joints.
For some conditions, physical therapy will help. By doing exercises, there will be improvement of the range of motion and also strengthening of muscles that surround the joints. There are instances in which splints and braces have to be used. In the event that conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be suggested. There are two forms of surgery that can be used.
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.
When exercising is done regularly, joints are kept flexible. Swimming and water aerobics are among the best choices for exercising because water buoyancy reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Ice packs and heating pads are effective methods too when it comes to reducing ache. Canes, raised toilets and walkers are among the assistive devices that may be used.
People use alternative medicine but their credibility is yet to be ascertained. One of these is acupuncture. It involves the use of fine needles that are inserted at specific points on the skin. This is done for the sake of reducing 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.
At certain times, one has to try a number of treatment options or a combination of options for the best outcomes. There are various medications in use. Analgesics are used for reduction of pain but are not the solution to inflammation. For the treatment of soreness and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only bought with prescriptions. Oral NSAIDs may cause irritation of the stomach and increase the risk of heart attack. There are also gels and creams that are rubbed on the joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams that have capsaicin and menthol. Capsaicin is the ingredient which makes hot pepper spicy. These preparations when rubbed on the skin interfere with transmission of pain from the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These prevent the immune system from attacking joints.
For some conditions, physical therapy will help. By doing exercises, there will be improvement of the range of motion and also strengthening of muscles that surround the joints. There are instances in which splints and braces have to be used. In the event that conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be suggested. There are two forms of surgery that can be used.
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.
When exercising is done regularly, joints are kept flexible. Swimming and water aerobics are among the best choices for exercising because water buoyancy reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Ice packs and heating pads are effective methods too when it comes to reducing ache. Canes, raised toilets and walkers are among the assistive devices that may be used.
People use alternative medicine but their credibility is yet to be ascertained. One of these is acupuncture. It involves the use of fine needles that are inserted at specific points on the skin. This is done for the sake of reducing 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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