Help for Arthritis

Help for Arthritis
Nestler

Arthritis tortures and disables more Americans than any other
chronic disease. No wonder there is such a call for arthritis help.

Unfortunately, “quack” remedies are common. Their acceptance
depends on the fact that, for some unknown reason, the pain of
arthritis tends to flare up and then subside. Frequently the
symptoms subside while the patient is taking a particular
“miracle cure” and the
arthritis sufferer believes he or she is
cured. However, it is not uncommon for the symptoms to return,
worse than ever. The fact is, virtually any new treatment,
effective or not, often seems to help at first, simply because
the sufferer wants it to so desperately. By determining when
symptoms pop up, it may be possible to manage some of the
suffering. Pain in a joint may be felt during or after use, or
after a period of inactivity. Discomfort may signal a change in
the weather or be felt during it.

There’s no cure for arthritis but available treatments can
relieve pain and help one remain active. Treatment should begin
at the first signs of the illness. Rest and easy exercise such
as swimming can ease stress on the joints.

Over the counter medications may help to ease the pain and
improve joint functioning. A physician should be consulted early
in the disease to establish a plan of dealing with it.

Perhaps the first point to consider is the importance of
reducing excess weight. Excess weight puts a serious burden on
already inflamed or damaged joints. The sufferer can ease the
load by using a cane to take weight off the arthritic hip or
knee. Crutches or a walker can be helpful around the house.

Moist heat is helpful in reducing pain and increasing ease of
movement. A simple hot bath or shower can be effective in easing
early-morning stiffness. Local heat can do much to relieve
discomfort and stiffness. Heat lamps can be used to apply heat
to one or two stiff, aching joints. An electric heating pad is
good for a large area such as the back or a hip. Twenty minutes
is an adequate time period.

In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary;
artificial joints may be implanted to replace those damaged
beyond repair.

Attitude can be a major factor in helping deal with this
frustrating ailment. It is important not to concentrate on the
disease but rather expand your horizons away from your body. Do
interesting things; try meditation and relaxation techniques.
Don’t concentrate on your disease. You are not your disease, but
a person who happens to have arthritis.

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Handling Pain from Arthritis

Handling Pain from Arthritis
Nestler

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, the junctures where
the ends of two bones meet. This common disability comes in more
than 100 forms but for many sufferers, all they really want to
know is how do I get arthritis pain relief.

Some detective work on the part of the sufferer may be called
for. By determining when the symptoms pop up, it may be possible
to manage some of the suffering. Pain in a joint may be felt
during or after use, or after a period of inactivity. Discomfort
may signal a change in the weather or be felt during it.

Although there’s no cure for arthritis, available treatments can
relieve pain and help you remain active. At the first signs of
the illness, treatment should begin. Rest and easy exercise such
as swimming may be effective starting points along with some
over the counter medications to ease the pain and improve joint
functioning.

Among the treatments your doctor may suggest are medication,
self-care, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Occasionally surgery is recommended; some individuals seek
relief from various forms of alternative medicine.

Medications include both topical and oral medications. Topical
medications come in the form of sprays, gels, creams and
ointments. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be sufficient
to treat milder arthritis, but stronger prescription medications
also are available.

OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen can relieve pain but
does not reduce inflammation. Taking more than the recommended
dosage of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially if
you consume three or more drinks of alcoholic a day.

Acetaminophen can also affect other medications you may be
taking, so be sure to inform your doctor if you’re taking it.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work in two ways.
They relieve muscle pain and fight inflammation (such as from
rheumatoid arthritis). NSAIDs have risks of side effects that
increase when used at high dosages for long-term treatment.

Discuss with your doctor before using other medications such as
COX-2 inhibitors, and others which have different side-effects.
Antidepressants, apart from their antidepressant qualities,
especially tricyclics, can help reduce chronic pain. Some people
with arthritis also experience symptoms of depression.
Antidepressant medications can treat the sleep disturbance that
can accompany arthritis. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest
injecting a joint space with a corticosteroid, which can offer
some pain relief and reduce inflammation. In addition, how well
you live with arthritis often depends on your behaviors and
attitude. If you actively manage your arthritis, you may be able
to gain control over your pain.

SEO Solutions and one way
link publicity services provided by LinkAcquire.

David C Skul – CEO
LinkAcquire.com and Relativity, Inc. can provide
global market exposure
and solutions

About the author:
None