Tag: Arthritis Relief

Osteoarthritis in the Knees: 10 Pain Relief Options

Do you suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees? If so, you know pain and you know it well. Luckily, your suffering does not have to be constant or last for long. There are many ways to seek relief. In fact, just ten of your options are outlined below. These particular options were selected due to ease and practicality; just about anyone can seek relief with these methods.

1 Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For osteoarthritis, most professionals recommend Tylenol or acetaminophen. With that said, there are many over-the-counter pain relievers available. Choose a brand that you can afford and one that provides you with relief. For example, if Aleve has worked to stop headache pain, try it for arthritis relief. You already know the formula works.

2 Topical Arthritis Creams

For instant arthritis pain relief, it is best to go directly to the source. Topical arthritis creams enable you to do so. You apply the cream directly to the hurtful joints. At first, you may notice a slight tingle or sting, but then comes the relief. This relief usually lasts as long as over-the-counter pain relief pills.

When examining the active ingredients in over-the-counter arthritis creams, you are likely to find capsaicin. This ingredient is also found in cayenne pepper. Many not only recommend a capsaicin cream, but adding the pepper spice to foods for flavor and the health benefits.

3 – Prescribed Medication

Many times, physicians only write prescriptions for severe pain. This is pain that cannot be treated with over-the-counter products. Opioids are prescription pain relievers, but there is a risk of addiction or problems from improper use. If your doctor deems you a responsible and low-risk taker, codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone may be prescribed.

4 Heat

For most, heat provides pain relief. So, give it a try. Draw a warm bath, use a warm washcloth, or purchase a heating pad. As always, caution is advised to prevent burns. Although most individuals benefit from heat, some do better with cold. Some medical professionals, according to Arthritis Today, recommended alternating between the two.

5 Exercise

To reduce joint pain, strong muscle strength is needed. With strong muscles, you are able to rely on them and use them more. This puts less pressure on achy knees. In fact, strong muscles give the joints extra protection and cushion. Therefore, exercise is advised. If it is painful to exercise, start out slow with low-impact exercises. For some, stretching and light walking is enough. If still too painful, consider low-impact water exercises.

6 Physical Therapy

As previously stated, some osteoarthritis patients may find it too painful to exercise. Your goal is to avoid and prevent pain, so why do something that causes it? Exercise has long-term health benefits. Not only does it promote an overall healthy body, but it does provide the joints protection through increased muscle strength. You can exercise at home, but physical therapy is good. In some cases, this gives you easy access to water exercises. You can also learn safe low-impact exercises to do at home.

7 Weight Loss

Not all patients suffering from osteoarthritis are overweight, but those who are increase the risk of pain. The more weight one carries around, the more pressure there is applied to the knees. If you can lose weight without compromising your health, do so. The best way to lose weight is to combine exercise with healthy eating.

8 Knee Braces

Those who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees are more likely to experience walking troubles. It can be painful to walk from one room to another, let alone leave the house. A knee brace can provide support and stability. A proper fitting knee brace not only makes it easier to walk, but less painful too! Knee braces are available for sale at most health and drugstores, but talk to your physician first.

9 Walking Aids

Those with mild osteoarthritis in the knees can benefit from a cane. Those with severe osteoarthritis in the knees may need crutches. As previously stated, walking is difficult with arthritis in the knees. It is painful and there is an increased risk of falls, due to instability. Cane or crutches can provide support.

10 A Strong Support System

Many arthritis patients believe they reach the point of no return. This is when the pain is so unbearable it seem as if nothing will work. Those individuals are more likely to suffer in silence than seek treatment. If you are one of those individuals or if you just need a push to lose weight or exercise, a strong support system is vital. For many, talking about their pain helps to ease it. Ensure you have someone at home to discuss your arthritis with or find local support groups.

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Natural Remedies for Arthritis Relief

Do you suffer from arthritis? Is the pain and discomfort so debilitating that you want it to stop and now? If so, you may automatically head to your medicine cabinet. Before doing so, think it through. As soon as the medication wears off, the pain will return. Instead, think long-term. Many natural remedies will provide you with long-term relief, especially with continued use.

Eat fresh cherries. Various studies have shown that fresh cherries fight and reduce inflammation. Joint swelling and inflammation are the most common causes of arthritis related pain. So, if you are looking for a natural way to treat arthritis, look no farther than your local grocery store or farmers market. There is no specific recommended consumption advised, but since cherries are a healthy food, you can and should eat as many as you like.

Eat celery. Celery is rich in potassium, as well as other minerals. There are varying causes for arthritis, but many claim potassium has an impact. Those with potassium deficiencies are at an increased risk for arthritis. Due the high presence of potassium, celery may assist with arthritis caused symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, inflammation, and joint stiffness. It is best to mix one teaspoon of celery seeds with warm water, let cool and drink.

Drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits. Although this success is mostly based on opinion, it has been known to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Apple cider is safe for most to consume, but there are risk with drinking the cider straight. For that reasons, a mixture of 2 tablespoons in at least an 8-ounce glass of water is advised. This mixture can be taken up to 3 times daily.

Soak the painful joints in apple cider. Most prefer this approach as it targets the painful joints. Most recommend using cup of apple cider vinegar and one liter of water. Place is a bowl and warm. For areas too difficult to soak, such as the hips, soak a cloth in the mixture and apply to the area.

Rub wild oregano oil in the skin. Those who have tried this natural remedy typically report immediate pain relief, in as little as five minutes! Most recommend mixing the oregano oil with olive oil. An ideal mixture is six drops of oil for one tablespoon of olive oil. Some also report success rubbing coconut oil on the affected area, followed by a few drops of oregano oil.

Black cohosh. This American Indian treatment has sustained its popularity throughout the years. Black cohosh not only contains anti-inflammatory agents, but it has aspirin like qualities. Most recommend simmering around 1 teaspoon of black cohosh in a cup of boiling water. Do so for around twenty minutes, let cool and drink. The mixture can be divided into two daily doses.

Hop tea. It has been said that the hop plant has many ingredients that act as an anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, some are very similar to steroid drugs. These have long best used to reduce the inflammation, pain, and discomfort of arthritis. To make your own tea at home, combine three teaspoons of hop leaves into a cup with boiling water. Let sit until slightly cooled. Drink before bed.

As with other home remedies, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter pain medications, the relief felt will be short lived. That is why many opt for continued use. Luckily, you are safe with most natural remedies. Due to natural ingredients, prolonged use rarely causes any complications. However, patients should still speak with a medical professional first. In fact, you can development a natural treatment plan together.

As you can see, there are many natural ways to seek relief from the joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Natural remedies are not guaranteed. In many cases, there is no scientific proof they work. With that said, the above mentioned natural remedies come highly rated and recommend by those, like you, who have suffered first-hand with arthritis.

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Instant Arthritis Relief: Is It Possible?

If you have arthritis, you know pain. In fact, you know it well. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis. Despite the different causes and symptoms, one thing is common. That is pain. All arthritis patients suffer pain. For some, it comes and goes. For others, the pain in constant. You want relief and you want it now, but is instant arthritis pain relief possible? Yes and no.

Before focusing on a few ways that you can get quick arthritis pain relief, it is important to note variances. It all depends on your definition of instant. For most, instant means right away and immediately. For others, 10 to 15 minutes is soon enough. As previously stated, most arthritis sufferers want relief and immediately. When you are in pain, 15 minutes can literally feel like a lifetime.

In terms of over-the-counter arthritis relief, you have two main options. Those are over-the-counter pain pills and over-the-counter topical arthritis creams. So, which provides you with the fastest relief? It all depends on your body.

In terms of over-the-counter arthritis topical creams, most see relief right away. In fact, you may experience relief as soon as the cream makes contact with the skin. Even if you have never used these creams before, you may have used Bengay or a similar cream to treat achy pains. Think back to that time. You may remember the tingling sensation, but what about relief? You should have felt it immediately. The same holds true for arthritis creams. If you need relief and need it now, grab a tube of arthritis pain relief cream. Ensure you have some at home.

In terms of over-the-counter pain pills, it all depends on your body and your purchase. For example, most pain relief capsules or tablets must dissolve in your body. It can take time for the entire pill to dissolve. On the other hand, Advil has a Liqui-Gel format. Just the outer layer needs to dissolve, so relief is typically faster. Tylenol has a special arthritis formula. This has two dissolving layers; one is fast for quick relief and the second is slower for long-lasting relief.

Another way that arthritis patients seek pain relief is through heat. For some, this does provide immediate relief. Your options include soaking in a warm bath, wrapping the joint in a warm washcloth, using on-the-go heating patches or a reusable heating pouch. Many experience pain relief until the heat stops. It is best to use heat as a source of relief until your over-the-counter pain pills are able to kick in.

Many natural supplements also claim to add in the relief of arthritis pain and swelling. These supplements are nice, as most are natural and safe. But, they do have their pros and cons. The biggest downside is time. Most are not designed for immediate relief. Instead, continued used provides long-lasting relief. The same is true for exercise. It may be difficult to move your achy joints at first, but continued low-impact exercise can reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling overtime.

In conclusion, instant relief is nice, but you should not write off an arthritis treatment option because it does not provide you with immediate relief. Remember that preventing or lessening the risk of pain, discomfort, and swelling is just as important as treating it.

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How to Seek Arthritis Relief When Shopping

Do you suffer from arthritis? If so, just functioning from day-to-day may seem difficult. Walking to your car, let alone climbing inside and driving, may seem out of the question. Not only is it too hard, but it may be very painful. So, what should you do? It may be easier to sit on the couch at home, but dont let arthritis control you or your life. We all need to shop, especially for groceries. So, what can you do to ease the pain and discomfort?

Create a grocery list by aisle. Those with arthritis of the toes, knees, and hips, find it difficult and painful to walk. To prevent wasted steps, create a grocery list based on aisles. This prevents you from retracing your steps and walking more. Some grocery stores have guides available for shoppers. Or, the next time you are there, record the aisle numbers and sample of items in the aisle. Use as your guide.

Always use a shopping cart. Regardless of which joints are affected by arthritis, opt for a shopping cart. Baskets are convenient for when you only need to buy a few items, but they can be difficult and painful to grip. If you suffer from arthritis of the toes, knees, and hips, a shopping cart provides you with walking support. Also, dont be afraid to use the motorized shopping carts. Many stores have them available free of charge.

Use a reacher or ask for help. You will experience the most problems at the grocery store. Items are scattered on shelves both high and low. If you find it difficult to bend or reach, ask for help or purchase an extended reacher. They are available for sale at most drug stores and medical stores. These reachers can also help those with difficulty gripping items. If you need help, ask a store associated or a passerby.

Take a break when you need to. It is no secret that both grocery stores and supermarkets are large. Walking from the car to the store may seem like a long journey, but just wait into you get inside. It is not a race to finish quickly; take a break whenever you start to experience pain or difficulty moving. In the grocery store, visit the caf or move your cart to the side of an aisle and lean on it for support. Shopping malls have benches scattered throughout; take a seat and rest.

Opt for paper or reusable bags at the grocery store. Those suffering from arthritis of the fingers, experience pain when gripping and carrying plastic shopping bags. Many dread trips to the grocery store. Instead, opt for paper or reusable bags. Most reusable bags have long handlings; you can sling them over your shoulder. To carry paper bags, use both arms, not just your fingers and hands. Also, do not be afraid to ask a store associate to load your bags into the car or ask a neighbor for help.

As a last resort, hire someone to shop for you. In fact, you may not even need to pay. See if a close friend or family member will pickup a few items for you at the grocery store. Many stores now enable you to shop right from your home. With these stores, you browse or search through their product list, add items to your virtual shopping card, make payment, and wait. A store employee will deliver your goods to your home! You may be charged a small delivery fee, but it may be well worth the added cost.

Although it may be easier to use a grocery store delivery service or have someone else stop for you, try. By implementing a few of the above mentioned steps, shopping for gifts, groceries, and clothes does not have to be difficult. Just remember to take it slow, rely on available tools, and dont be afraid to ask for help.

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