Arthritis is the term use to describe inflammation in the joints. The major symptoms are stiffness and joint pain and they get worse as one becomes older. Treatment mode chosen will be dependent on the type of condition. The various forms of treatment are aimed at minimizing symptoms and enabling those affected to lead better lives. When considering arthritis pain relief Toledo residents have many options to consider.
At certain times, one has to try a number of treatment options or a combination of options for the best outcomes. There are various medications in use. Analgesics are used for reduction of pain but are not the solution to inflammation. For the treatment of soreness and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only bought with prescriptions. Oral NSAIDs may cause irritation of the stomach and increase the risk of heart attack. There are also gels and creams that are rubbed on the joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams that have capsaicin and menthol. Capsaicin is the ingredient which makes hot pepper spicy. These preparations when rubbed on the skin interfere with transmission of pain from the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These prevent the immune system from attacking joints.
There are conditions that will require physical therapy. When one does exercises, their range of motion is improved and muscles that surround the joints strengthened. At certain times, braces and splints are used. When the conservative measures have failed to be effective, surgery may be the next option, with two main types of surgery used.
With joint replacement, the joints that are damaged are removed and replaced with artificial ones. The joints that are most commonly removed and replaced are knees and hips. In the case of joints that are smaller, fusion is used. Smaller joints include those in the ankle, wrists and fingers. Lifestyle and home remedies are also options. Loss weight for instance would help those that are obese to lose weight and thus reduce stress on joints holding their weight. This will increase mobility and limit future joint injury.
Through regular exercising, the joints will be kept flexible. The best exercises are swimming and water aerobics. These are good exercises because the up-thrust force of water reduces joint stress. The use of heating pads and ice packs also reduces pain. There are persons that also consider the use of assistive devices like walkers, raised toilets seats and canes.
The use of alternative medicine is yet to undergo full testing for its credibility but is still one of the used options. Acupuncture is one such option. In this, needles are inserted on the skin at specific points. This will lead to reduction of pain.
Also effective is the use of yoga and massage. Yoga involves slow and stretching movements that enhance how flexible the joints are and improve movement. Massage on the other hand improves blood flow. Affected joints are warmed and thus pain is relieved for some time. Therapists should know the affected joints prior to massage.
At certain times, one has to try a number of treatment options or a combination of options for the best outcomes. There are various medications in use. Analgesics are used for reduction of pain but are not the solution to inflammation. For the treatment of soreness and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only bought with prescriptions. Oral NSAIDs may cause irritation of the stomach and increase the risk of heart attack. There are also gels and creams that are rubbed on the joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams that have capsaicin and menthol. Capsaicin is the ingredient which makes hot pepper spicy. These preparations when rubbed on the skin interfere with transmission of pain from the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These prevent the immune system from attacking joints.
There are conditions that will require physical therapy. When one does exercises, their range of motion is improved and muscles that surround the joints strengthened. At certain times, braces and splints are used. When the conservative measures have failed to be effective, surgery may be the next option, with two main types of surgery used.
With joint replacement, the joints that are damaged are removed and replaced with artificial ones. The joints that are most commonly removed and replaced are knees and hips. In the case of joints that are smaller, fusion is used. Smaller joints include those in the ankle, wrists and fingers. Lifestyle and home remedies are also options. Loss weight for instance would help those that are obese to lose weight and thus reduce stress on joints holding their weight. This will increase mobility and limit future joint injury.
Through regular exercising, the joints will be kept flexible. The best exercises are swimming and water aerobics. These are good exercises because the up-thrust force of water reduces joint stress. The use of heating pads and ice packs also reduces pain. There are persons that also consider the use of assistive devices like walkers, raised toilets seats and canes.
The use of alternative medicine is yet to undergo full testing for its credibility but is still one of the used options. Acupuncture is one such option. In this, needles are inserted on the skin at specific points. This will lead to reduction of pain.
Also effective is the use of yoga and massage. Yoga involves slow and stretching movements that enhance how flexible the joints are and improve movement. Massage on the other hand improves blood flow. Affected joints are warmed and thus pain is relieved for some time. Therapists should know the affected joints prior to massage.