Whether you have recently been diagnosed with arthritis or you have suffered with the condition for years, it is important that you understand the condition in order to improve your quality of life. Arthritis pain management can be obtained through knowledge of the condition, lifestyle changes, and medications that can be used to treat the pain.
Arthritis is a term involving a family of musculoskeletal disorders which affect the joints, muscles, bones and immune system. Although there are several kinds of arthritis, the three most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by a degenerative breakdown of joint cartilage causing the bones to rub together. It is often caused by genetics, obesity and age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and involves inflammation of the joint lining. This in turn causes stiffness, pain and swelling of the joints. Juvenile arthritis affects children under the age of 16. All of these conditions are extremely painful, making arthritis pain management essential for living with the disease.
Certain lifestyle changes can be made to facilitate the ability to live with arthritis. A patient suffering from arthritis should remain active, eat a well-balanced diet, and rest. For years it was thought that exercise was an enemy to arthritis; however, studies show that it is one of the most effective methods of arthritis pain management. Staying active is a great way to keep your joints moving smoothly.
When you are having an arthritic flare-up, try soaking in a hot bath or Jacuzzi. The hot water will bring you immediate pain relief by easing your muscles, but it also helps to reduce the levels of lactic acid. Lactic acid causes soreness and stiffness in the muscles. Heat wraps, muscle creams, and hot paraffin wax are also great ways to ease those aching muscles and should be a part of arthritis pain management.
Lifestyle changes may not be enough for some to achieve optimal pain relief from their arthritis symptoms. A combination of drug therapy can also be added to maximize your comfort level. There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter creams, rubs, and oral anti-inflammatories that will offer relief as well.
Prescription medications include oral anti-inflammatories as well as compounded anti-inflammatory creams. While oral medications work by absorbing through the blood stream and affect the entire body, creams are more localized and treat the specific area of pain. For instance, if you are experiencing pain in your knee joint, you may want to use a therapeutic cream which will help almost instantly. An oral medication may help as well, but it requires daily use to prevent the pain from occurring.
Arthritis pain management is an integral part of living with the condition. Talk to your physician or pharmacist today to help develop an arthritis pain management program of your own. For more details Visit Website.
