Tag: featured writer

Types Of Arthritis Treatments

Types Of Arthritis Treatments
Gray Rollins

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a condition that only old people get. It is a condition that can impact people of all ages, and in severe cases, the pain associated with arthritis can be absolutely debilitating. In its simplest definition, arthritis is the pain that emerges in the area where two joints come together such as the fingers, knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders.
There are a number of tests that can be performed that will help determine the cause of the pain, the degree and frequency of the pain, and the areas most impacted. Once all of this information is gathered, there is a better chance an effective course of arthritis treatments can be offered. Here are some of the more common arthritis treatments.
NSAIDS/Over the counter treatments
NSAIDS, which stands for Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are effective at treating the symptoms of arthritis. Many different drugs fall into the category of NSAIDS, many of which are available only by prescription.
Over the counter medications that reduce pain and inflammation are for many people, effective arthritis treatments. Aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen are all safe if taken as directed and easy to obtain without a prescription. These types of arthritis treatments are relatively inexpensive and have few negative side effects.
Taken as directed, NSAIDS can help arthritis sufferers get relief from stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and pain in the joints. Before taking any of these treatments however, be sure to discuss the risks and all known side effects associated with taking this type of medication.
COX-2 Inhibitors
These types of arthritis treatments are better known by their brand names: Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra and the like. While these products do an effective job treating the symptoms of arthritis, their effectiveness came with a heavy price in the form of potentially life-threatening side effects. Several of these name-brand products have been taken off the market. If youd like more information about COX-2 Inhibitors, you should consult your doctor. http://www.arthritisnatural.com/safetyofarthritismedications/
Joint Replacement
This type of arthritis treatment involves a surgical procedure and is most often prescribed for patients with severely damaged joints. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed, and a replacement part is put in place. The resulting pain is mainly caused by the incision and generally will pass in several weeks. After recovery, patients should be able to resume up to 75% of mobility in the affected joint area. Hip replacement is the most common type of joint replacement surgery but regardless of the type, replacement is a very effective arthritis treatment.
Other Types of Surgery
Sometimes rather than replacing a joint, surgery is prescribed to repair a tendon that has become damaged or to remove the tendons covering if that is whats causing the pain. The lining inside the joint cavity is also something that might be removed during a surgical procedure, as could the removal of a bone. Sometimes the joint pain is being caused by nerves that have become trapped and a surgical procedure can alleviate this situation as well.

About The Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for http://www.arthritisnatural.com. For more information about arthritis treatments, please visit http://www.arthritisnatural.com/arthritispainrelieftips/.

How To Treat Arthritis Naturally

How To Treat Arthritis Naturally
Gray Rollins

Arthritis isnt anything to joke about and those who suffer from it need effective arthritis treatments. If you have arthritis, you know how painful a condition it really is. The problem with finding suitable arthritis treatments is two-fold. First, the arthritis treatments that get prescribed ultimately depend on the initial diagnosis, which is why its so important to discuss the situation with a medical practitioner. And second, many suffers cannot tolerate the side effects of NSAIDS or surgery and for this group, natural arthritis treatments really are their only options.
Natural arthritis treatments encompass any type of treatments that do not involve the use of NSAIDS or COX-2 Inhibitors. If you suffer from arthritis and youve tried these types of treatments without success, it may be time for you to research natural treatments for your arthritis. Here are a few to consider.
Physical/Heat/Massage/Relaxation Therapy
Arthritis is pain in the joint area and it can strike in any part of the body where joints exist. This pain isnt always the result of damaged joints. It can be caused by overworked tendons, a build-up of scar tissue, frayed nerves and tense muscles. These types of therapies are oftentimes effective because they generally are designed to focus on the affected area. Rubbing and kneading, applying heat, or using a walker or other type of device designed to improve mobility and posture can all help to promote improved blood circulation and loosen overly tight areas. The goal of these types of therapies is to work on the root of the pain and hopefully, after repeated treatments if necessary, make the pain disappear permanently.
General Exercise
In a total reversal of what was thought to be true decades ago, doctors today frequently prescribe exercise as an effective natural arthritis treatment. Regular exercise is also an effective preventative measure against arthritis. When people dont exercise, their muscles weaken and become stiff and this leads to the type of pain associated later on with arthritis. Cardiovascular exercises, light strength training exercises, and range-of-motion exercises (stretching) all produce positive results. http://www.arthritisnatural.com/relievingarthritispain/
Water exercises
Hydrotherapy or water exercises, work by immersing the body into tanks or pools that have been filled with warm water. Once inside, the patient performs resistance-type exercises to hopefully alleviate the pain. This type of a workout is physically intensive so it should always be performed in a supervised setting.
Controversial Alternatives
Search the web and youll find an abundance of products that claim to be natural arthritis treatments. Among the more popular are Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Manganese, MSM, Niacinamidem, Tumeric and Ginger extract. Promoters of these naturally-occurring ingredients claim they reduce inflammation, slow the aging process, and promote joint repair. Before spending a lot of money purchasing products containing these ingredients, and especially before taking these or any other products that claim they are natural arthritis treatments, discuss the benefits of each with a doctor or someone you trust who knows more than you do about natural remedies. You might find that making some changes to your diet is just as effective a treatment.

About The Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for http://www.arthritisnatural.com. For more information about arthritis treatments, please visit http://www.arthritisnatural.com/arthritispainrelieftips/.