Tag: Arthritis Pain

Arthritis Pain: Daily Tips to Gain Control

If you suffer from arthritis, you may not only experience joint pain and swelling, but difficulty functioning from day-to-day. Arthritis is not a walk in the park. Whether you are prone to spurts of pain or experience it all the time, going about a normal day may seem like an impossible task, but it doesnt have to be. What can you do?

Make it easy to get around your home. If you suffer from arthritis of the toes, feet, hips, or knees, it is difficult to move. Walking from one room in your home to the next, may trigger pain. Make it as easy as possible to move around. Is your home an obstacle course with furniture in the way? Enlist the help of a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. Rearrange your furniture to create a straight path. The less turns and steps you have to make, the better.

Make sure all needed items are within easy reach. Regardless of what joints hurt, it can be difficult to reach for and grip. So, dont. Do you find it too difficult to reach to the high shelf in your kitchen cupboard? If so, dont use it. Place all foods and dishes on lower shelves or utilize your countertop. Do you find it too difficult to grasp dresser drawer handles? Instead, use your closet to hang clothes. With one simple tug, many fall right off the hanger. Learning to prevent and manage the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis includes making your life at home easier.

Keep pain relievers handy. All arthritis patients suffer from pain. Depending on the type of arthritis, this pain may be constant or it may come and go. Either way, pain relievers are a lifesaver. They typically provide relief in as little as 15 minutes. Some over-the-counter arthritis creams provide pain relief as soon as contact is made with the skin. Since they do work, keep them on hand. Keep some pills and creams in your home, car, and purse. There are many ways to reduce the risk of arthritis pain, but there are no guarantees. Anything can trigger pain, so always be prepared.

Rely on walking aids. If you suffer from arthritis of the toes, feet, hips, or knees, walking can be difficult and painful. With each step you take, pressure is applied to your already painful joints. What can you do is lessen the pressure with walking aids. These may include knee braces, crutches, or canes. Remember, the less pressure you apply to your joints, the less pain you should feel.

Ask for help. Arthritis patients experience times when they feel helpless. This is often when they cannot open a jar of spaghetti sauce, walk to the mailbox without experiencing pain, or lift a heavy box. It is very frustrating to be unable to handle daily tasks without pain. Yes, you are encouraged to try, but not it if will bring on pain. Although it can be hard, dont be afraid to ask for help. Ask your neighbor to deliver your mail to your home and save a heavy box until a family member can help you.

Keep a journal. One of the many problems arthritis patients face is difficulty managing their pain. Talking about the difficulties you face can help. For most, the worst thing to do is to keep these emotions bottled up in side. Are you mad that you are suffering from arthritis, get that anger out of you. Deal with ease issues or complication as they arise, dont keep things bottled up inside. When they do come out, it will be huge. It is best to talk to someone at home or join an arthritis support group. If you opt not to, keep a journal instead. Write down all feelings, including the good and the bad.

In short, there are many ways to treat and manage arthritis pain. Over-the-counter products are a lifesaver for many arthritis patients, but they are not you only option. The first step should be focusing on day-to-day tasks. When these seem easier and less painful, the rest will simply just fall into place.

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Arthritis Pain: Can Supplements Help?

Do you suffer from arthritis? Are you tired of suffering? Do you want it to end and now? Immediate pain relief is possible with over-the-counter pain medications. Unfortunately, the pain returns as soon as the medication wears off. What can you do? You can try herbal and dietary supplements. Many have little to no risks. In fact, most have additional health benefits.

So, what dietary supplements can help you treat, manage, or relieve the pain of arthritis?

Note: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve most of these supplements. We all know that this approval is important, but lack of approval does not mean a thing. Perform a standard internet search with the supplements highlighted below and you will hear first-hand that they do work.

Ginger. This supplement comes from the root of a ginger plant. Depending on the form, it comes from either fresh or dried root. What is ideal about this supplement is your options. You can choose from capsules, powder, extract, and oils. Up to two grams a day are recommended. The extract can be added to tea for taste.

According the popular Arthritis Today magazine, ginger extract helps with inflammation. It has the ability to slow down the chemicals that cause inflammation, including COX-2. In addition to aiding in arthritis pain, this supplement is an ideal cure for motion sickness, as it not only subsides pain, but nausea and vomiting too.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables, otherwise known as ASU. Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) not only provides pain relief, but it lessens joint swelling and inflammation too. Various studies, since 2002, have shown that ASU did stop inflammation. Not only that, it slows the break down of cartilage and in some instances worked to repair prior damage.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables is available in capsule format. It can be found for sale at most health and nutrition stores. Read all labels before taking, but most call for two capsules a day.

Fish Oil. Fish oil has long been known for its health benefits. Fish oil comes from cold-water fish. The Arthritis Today magazine recommends up to two three-ounce servings of fish a week. For those unable to stomach the taste and smell, capsules and tablets are available. This supplement is affordable and available for sale at most retail locations, including department stores, nutrition stores, drug stores, and grocery stores.

As previously state, it has long been known that fish oil is a healthy supplement. It helps to promote healthy blood circulation. Due to its ability to protect against high blood pressure and heart disease, you cannot go wrong with this supplement. The reduction of inflammation in your joints and decreased pain are only the beginning.

Devils claw. Although the name sounds frightening, this supplement is an herbal remedy that was and is widely used in South Africa. It is available in powder, liquid, and capsule formats. According to the Arthritis Today magazine, the active ingredient in devils claw is Harpagoside. Many claim it reduces both joint pain and inflammation.

Devils claw is shown to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Unfortunately, there are known risks involved with this supplement. Those who are pregnant, taking blood thinners, antacids, or diabetes medication should not take the devils claw supplement, regardless of the form.

Ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo has long been touted as a memory-enhancing supplement. Although medical professionals have yet to agree on this benefit, there is more. For many, it improves blood flow and circulation. This improves the overall health and wellbeing of the body. Some studies have shown that it reduces disease flair ups, including arthritis.

Ginkgo is available for sale in most retail stores. It is available in liquid, extract, or capsules format. The Arthritis Today magazine recommends choosing supplements with 24% flavonol glycosides and up to 7% terpene lactones.

As you can see, many herbal and dietary supplements can reduce the pain associated with arthritis. The good news? These are just a sample of the supplements available for sale. Before trying any supplement, including the ones highlighted above, research or speak to your primary care physician. Some can counteract with common over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

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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 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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