Arthritis Treatments

 There are various treatments for arthritis and it is rare for any single approach to provide complete pain relief. It is far better to employ a combined strategy, using exercise, diet, drugs, massage and natural remedies. The best arthritis treatment has to be simple, painless, inexpensive and not too time-consuming.

There are many different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.　

Osteoarthritis can be caused by damage to the cartilage which cushions the bones and lets the joints move smoothly. The cartilage becomes worn and uneven which causes your bones to get thicker and broader. Glucosamine is a substance which is widely used by sufferers with osteoarthritis, as it is believed to help repair damaged cartilage. Glucosamine, sometimes combined with Chondroitin, is available in tablet form, without prescription. However, a recent clinical trial, conducted in Switzerland, states unequivocally that they found "no clinically relevant effect of glucosamine or chondroitin, or a combination of the two, on perceived joint pain".

You can read more about this trial and another one in the USA, which contradicts these findings, at  Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by your body’s own immune system, which attacks the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually more severe than osteoarthritis and is more difficult to treat.

Painkilling Drugs

Painkillers are the popular choice as an arthritis treatment, for getting arthritis pain relief, because they are quick, convenient and relatively inexpensive. For the majority of the population, they can be the ideal solution. However, a large number of arthritis sufferers can be in serious danger from the more powerful drugs, such as ibuprofen, codeine and diclofenac, especially if taken regularly and in large doses.

Arthritis, being a degenerative disease, is more likely to afflict older people, who are also prone to heart and blood pressure problems. Anyone suffering from these conditions and also taking anti-inflammatory drugs, can be at serious risk of heart attacks and strokes. In certain cases, people can be ten times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

For anyone in this situation, it is vital that they find alternative ways to get relief from the pain. Are you in this situation? 

Read more about Arthritis Drugs

Exercise

Regular, gentle exercise is essential to prevent arthritis steadily getting worse. It is only by keeping the muscles which support and operate the joints strong and supple that further deterioration and pain can be avoided. It is very likely that very strenuous exercise (or just heavy work) in the past has caused or contributed to the poor condition of the joints, so it is most important to avoid putting this sort of strain on weakened and damaged joints.

Non-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, walking and yoga are most suited to keeping joints in good order, without doing further damage. Regular stretching exercises are an essential part of any exercise routine.

Diet

Finding the correct, balanced diet can be as effective as painkilling drugs, in reducing and controlling the pain of arthritis and without the serious health dangers inherent in their use. Many common foods possess the same anti-inflammatory properties as ibuprofen, together with necessary vitamins and minerals. The World Health Authority recommends a balanced diet, which includes fruit and vegetables; protein; carbohydrates and dairy products, taken every day.

A huge benefit comes with a good Arthritis Diet . It is also beneficial to your general health and, among other things, can keep your weight at a healthy level. Being overweight puts great strain on all joints but especially on hips, knees and spine, not to mention the heart. But we should certainly mention the heart, even if it's not strictly relevant to a page on arthritis treatment. 

Massage & Physiotherapy

This arthritis treatment can be pleasant and beneficial, in soothing and strengthening the muscles that support and operate the joints, provided that it isn't too vigorous and aggressive. Violent manipulation can be very painful and can probably aggravate the condition. The downside of this treatment is that it can be costly and may involve lengthy journeys to get the right practitioner and may also be time-consuming.  

Accupuncture has received something of a mixed press, regarding its effectiveness as a treatment for arthritis. Some people swear by it and it has certainly proved to be helpful for back pain. Accupuncture suffers the same disadvantages as physiotherapy, in that it can be expensive and involve time-consuming travel, unless you can find a specialist who makes home visits.   

Yoga is gaining increasing support in the treatment of back pain. Achieving the different contortions of the joints may be too painful for the majority of arthritis sufferers but any increased mobility which can be achieved would be a most welcome bonus.

Heat and Ice

Alternating hot and cold compresses can be very benefical in stimulating the blood flow and reducing stiffness and swelling. This arthritis treatment can bring quick relief and aid healing over the longer term.

You will no doubt have noticed when athletes or footballers sustain an injury, the trainers will immediately apply an ice pack to the affected part.

I keep an old bag of frozen peas permanently in the freezer, for use whenever my back is feeling stiff or sore and I have used this trick for over 30 years.  Not with the same bag of peas!

Epsom Salts

Epsom salt baths are believed to be very effective in alleviating aches and pains in joints and muscles. The salts have a high magnesium content, which eases the removal of acids through the skin. Two large cups of epsom salts in a hot bath will provide a pleasant and effective twenty minutes rest and relaxation.

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