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 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 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.
There are conditions that will require physical therapy. When one does exercises, their range of motion is improved and muscles that surround the joints strengthened. At certain times, braces and splints are used. When the conservative measures have failed to be effective, surgery may be the next option, with two main types of surgery used.
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 use of alternative medicine is yet to undergo full testing for its credibility but is still one of the used options. Acupuncture is one such option. In this, needles are inserted on the skin at specific points. This will lead to reduction of 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.
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 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.
There are conditions that will require physical therapy. When one does exercises, their range of motion is improved and muscles that surround the joints strengthened. At certain times, braces and splints are used. When the conservative measures have failed to be effective, surgery may be the next option, with two main types of surgery used.
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 use of alternative medicine is yet to undergo full testing for its credibility but is still one of the used options. Acupuncture is one such option. In this, needles are inserted on the skin at specific points. This will lead to reduction of 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.
