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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Early Treatment

When diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, many patients instinctively prepare for a life filled with pain. Yes, this may be true in some cases. But, a growing number of rheumatologists now believe that this form of arthritis can literally be stopped in its tracks. According to the popular Arthritis Today magazine, this is a growing theory. So, what does it mean for you?

If you suspect you are suffering from arthritis, it is important to seek immediate medical care. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, sleep troubles, and decreased mobility. Treatment options do vary, but a proper diagnosis is key. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis. Although the treatments are similar, a diagnosis is important. Start with your primary care physician. He or she may later suggest you visit an arthritis specialist, also commonly known as a rheumatologist.

Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis typically include over-the-counter pain medication. This is to lessen the severity of the pain. Unfortunately, this relief is short lived. That is why many prescribe medication. When taken overtime, these medications work to combat arthritis. As for the importance of early treatment, the Arthritis Today magazine highlighted a study performed on the drug Humira. It showed that those diagnosed early were more likely to enter into remission in as little as two years!

Another important aspect of treatment is exercise. Excessive use of the troublesome joints can trigger pain. For that reason, patients need to start slow. For example, a patient suffering from arthritis of the fingers should move and stretch their fingers daily. Pain is likely at first, but the more a joint is safely and slowly worked, the more improvements patients are likely to see. Low impact exercises relieve joint stiffness and lessen the likelihood of deformities.

In addition to exercise, healthy eating is important. Combined, the two should result in weight loss. Not all arthritis sufferers are overweight, but some are. This increases pain, as the extra body weight applies more pressure to joints. With some patients, the pain is trigged by certain foods. Most see success by eliminating or reducing meat and dairy intake. In terms of natural remedies, nothing is scientifically proven, but many patients report relief after consuming pineapples, cayenne pepper, raw cabbage, and coldwater fish.

As for why early treatment is important, it slows the progression of the disease. Juveniles are the only individuals likely to outgrow rheumatoid arthritis. For adults, the disease will only progress and get worse, especially without treatment. The health complications are far too great to not give treatment a chance. These health complications may include disability, severe limitations in mobility, and deformities.

Although a growing number of arthritis experts do agree that early treatment can stop or slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, many have cause for concern. For example, an average window of opportunity is two years. Many believe that once those two years have passed patients will mistakenly believe they are past the point of no return and that treatment is useless. It is not. Treatment will reduce or temporarily eliminate many of the symptoms of arthritis. So, many will push for treatment regardless.

While there is little scientific proof that early treatment can stop rheumatoid arthritis in its tracks, it is worth the chance. As previously stated, all patients should undergo treatment. Whether that treatment comprises of over-the-counter products, prescribed medications, herbal supplements, or exercise, treatment can reduce the symptoms of arthritis. If you are able to stop the disease in its tracks, just consider that the icing on the cake.

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Pros and Cons of Over-the-Counter Arthritis Pain Relief

When it comes to arthritis pain and discomfort, many patients want relief and they want it now. Many are willing to try just about any over-the-counter product, try any natural remedy under the sun, and so forth. For many, the pain in unbearable. As previously stated, there are a number of over-the-counter products that result in pain relief, but are they your best option?

The Pros of Over-the-Counter Products

You have many options. Arthritis pain relief comes in many different formats. Most turn to pain relieving pills. These pills may include Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Bayer, or store brands. There are also arthritis creams available for sale. These creams usually contain the active ingredient capsaicin. Finally, there are heating pads. Heat has long been known to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. For at-home care, a microwavable or electric heating pad is best. For on the go in the car, onetime use heating patches are best.

When it comes to over-the-counter arthritis relief, you have many options. You may wish to try them all. Experiment and find the best source of relief.

They are easy to buy. Over-the-counter products are those that can be bought without a prescription. Anyone can buy them and just about anywhere. Heating pads, arthritis creams, and pain pills are available for sale both online and locally. In terms of local shopping, your options include health stores, department stores, drug stores, and supermarkets.

When buying over-the-counter products, dont change your shopping habits. There is no need to make a special trip.

Most over-the-counter products provide quick relief. With the exception of Tylenol Arthritis, which is designed to provide both fast and long-lasting pain relief, it can take up to fifteen minutes for the medicine to kick in. When in pain, this may seem like a lifetime, but it is actually very quick. For the quickest relief, opt for arthritis creams. Many report pain relief as soon as the cream touches their skin!

The Cons of Over-the-Counter Products

Their costs can add up overtime. The more you use a product, the more you need to buy. In terms of pain reliever, look for large packages, as they tend to cost less. If possible, buy in bulk. As for the heating patches and pouches, the patches are ideal for on the go travel, but do not use them at home. Instead, opt for a heating pad that you can continue to reuse. In the end, you get a better value for your money.

What is nice about prescribed medications is that insurance covers the cost. The average co-pay, which is typically around $5, is less than most over-the-counter products. You can lower the cost of over-the-counter products by shopping at discount retailers, as they are known for their everyday low prices. Coupons and sales can also lessen the costs.

Relief is short. As previously stated, many over-the-counter products provide fast acting arthritis pain relief. This is nice, but remember that relief will not be long-lived. As soon as your medication wears off or when your heating pad loses heat, your pain will start to return.

For the ultimate long-term relief of arthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness, do more than just rely on over-the-counter products. Prescribed medications, when taken overtime, as well as many natural and home remedies, provide long-lasting relief. If these prove successful for your body, you may not need over-the-counter products daily; just when pain flares up.

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Pros and Cons of Natural Arthritis Relief

When it comes to treating the pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with arthritis, most medical professionals recommend pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These do work, but you may be concerned with what you are putting in your body. You may want to turn to natural remedies or relief options, but are they right for you? In most cases yes, but know they do have their pros and cons.

The Pros of Natural Arthritis Relief

Your options. The phrase natural arthritis relief encompasses many different items. It all depends on your take. For example, natural supplements have all natural ingredients. But, since they are bought and sold at stores, you may not consider them a natural way to seek relief. Certain actions are also natural ways to relieve arthritis pain and discomfort. For example, there is exercise. Those with rheumatoid arthritis have trigger factors that bring on pain. Some experience pain with strenuous joint use, others do so with certain foods. So, eating or avoid certain foods is another way to seek natural arthritis relief. Virtually, your options are endless.

Most are safe. Since these remedies are natural, if anything needs to be ingested or applied to the skin, it is all natural. This means it was found in the environment. Since there are no guarantees, caution is still advised. For example, cayenne pepper is known for the presence of capsaicin. This is also found in many over-the-counter arthritis creams. Although natural, it can interact with certain medications.

Many are cheap and some are even free! For example, exercise can be free. Exercise is important because it strengths the muscles surrounding the joints. It provides extra support and protection, which should result in less pain. You can pay for a gym membership. Instead, walk around your neighborhood or stretch at home. In terms of all-natural supplements and foods, look for sales, use coupons, and shop at stores known for their everyday low prices.

The Cons of Natural Arthritis Relief

There are no guarantees. Always remember that the human body is similar, but very different. This is most commonly seen with allergies. Our bodies process food differently. Some arthritis patients claim eating raw cabbage or drinking cabbage juice reduces arthritis pain and inflammation. On the other hand, it does nothing for others. In fact, some cannot stomach the taste and others are allergic! Your best option is to familiarize yourself with popular natural remedies and then experiment to find the best form of relief for your own body.

Some natural remedies require prolonged use. Research apple cider vinegar and arthritis online. You will find a ton of remedies and information on how it does work. With that said, you will also see that prolonged use is required. Some patients stop drinking apple cider vinegar mixtures or stop soaking their body due to the reduction in pain and swelling. Many are disappointed to later see the pain and inflammation return.

Some natural remedies can get costly, especially overtime. You just heard that continued use is best for maximum and long-term relief of pain and swelling. Unfortunately, this means you need to buy more. Remember, exercise can be free. As for heat, opt for a warm bath. If you need to use a heating pad, save the one-time patches for on-the-go use. At home, use a reusable heating pad.

In short, natural remedies for arthritis relief do have their pros and cons, but what do you have to lose? In most cases not much, so give exercise, heat, food, and supplements a try. You just may get the relief you were hoping for.

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Over-the-Counter Pain Pills: Your Arthritis Relief Options

If you suffer from arthritis, you also suffer from pain. With some forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, the pain comes and goes. For others, such as osteoarthritis, the pain is constant and long-lived. To seek relief you may need to turn to over-the-counter pain pills.

When shopping for over-the-counter pain relief pills, you will find a wide range of choices. In fact, it will seem as if your options are unlimited. So, which brand should you buy? Where should you shop? How much should you expect to pay?

In terms of brands, it depends on your own personal preference. Some individuals swear by Tylenol and others claim it does not even relieve simple pains, like a headache. We have all used pain relievers at one point in time. Think back to that time and the brand you used. Did you feel relief? If so, return to that brand. You know it works.

You should also consider your arthritis pain when shopping for pain reliever. Do you want extended relief? Did you know that Tylenol has a specific arthritis formula that results in both fast and long-term relief? They do. Aleve uses the same formula for most medications, but there is special packaging available for arthritis patients. Instead of pressing two releasers at the same time on the bottle, you just twist the top! Choose a pain reliever that works and is easy to use.

What should you do if a pain reliever does not work? First, review the bottle to ensure you are properly taking the medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers have different formulas and dosages. For example, you may need to take two Tylenol capsules every four to six hours, but only two Aleve pills a day. If you are taking the medication as directed and still feel pain, consider switching brands. Do not up your dosage unless given direct orders by a medical professional.

In terms of shopping, pain relievers are readily available at a wide range of retail stores. In addition to shopping online, they are found in most grocery stores, drug stores, health stores, and department stores. You can shop at any store you like. For most, it is best to opt for convenience. For example, if you are already shopping in Wal-Mart, stop by their health and beauty section and pickup a package of pain relievers. Unless out of medication and in pain, do not make a special trip to a special store.

In terms of costs, consider a number of factors. One of those factors is brand. Well-known brands, such as Aleve, Advil, and Tylenol, cost more. Cheaper alternatives are store brand products. They typically bear the name of the store you are shopping at. For example, both Walgreens and Rite-Aid have their own pain relievers. These store brands are cheaper. You may be worried about quality, but pickup the packages and compare. Typically, you will find the ingredients to be the same. In most cases, you are just paying extra for a well-known name.

Another factor to consider when estimating cost is where you shop. As previously stated, pain relievers are readily available at many retail stores. Supermarkets are usually the most expensive. Shoppers are there to buy groceries, pain relievers may just be an extra purchase that the store can profit from. Drug stores have lower prices, but many still find them costly. Your best option is to shop at a discount retailer, such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Family Dollar, and Dollar General.

The over-consumption of pain pills is advised against. You should only take them when in pain, not to prevent it. Even still, you may find yourself using over-the-counter pain relievers to seek relief from your arthritis pain and discomfort daily. This can also up the costs. Look for moneysaving coupons. Occasionally, Excedrin, Aleve, Advil, Bayer, and Tylenol all have printable coupons online or clipable coupons in the Sunday newspaper.

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