There are several arthritis pain relief options that one can choose from if struggling with the condition. The choice is determined by a number of factors that include, among others, the severity, duration, presence of other diseases and patient response among others. The options can be used either singly or in various combinations. This decision relies mainly on the judgement of the attending physician.
Acute symptoms have been shown to have a better response to treatment compared to those that are chronic. This is mainly due to the large extent of damage that is seen with chronically inflamed joints such as those affected by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is common for some patients to be put on lifelong treatment plans. While they may not be cured fully, treatment helps restore functionality albeit temporarily.
Your doctor needs to take a detailed history from you and to conduct a comprehensive physical so as to determine your treatment plan. The history focusses on the duration of illness, its severity and pattern of symptoms. Factors that aggravate or relive the symptoms have to be determined as well. The physical will help during the assessment of damaged joints. Laboratory and radiological investigations are often requested to aid in diagnosis.
There is no single treatment regarded as definitive cure for the condition. The common practice is to use a combination of modalities so as to provide long term relief. When on prolonged treatment, there is a need to review your options occasionally due to diminishing effectiveness. Changing of medications should be done cautiously to avoid serious side effects.
Treatment is usually started with simple analgesic agents such as NSAIDS before upgrading to stronger medication. Commonly used NSAIDS include naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They are most effective for the mild symptoms. Severe symptoms require stronger medications such as opioids. The general advice is that one should consult with their doctor to be given the way forward.
There are many other treatments that can be tried besides drugs. Regular physical exercise is recommended for persons with the condition as it helps in reduction of joint stiffness. The best time to engage in the exercises is late in the evening. Routines consisting of stretching, jogging and brisk walking for about 30 minutes at least 3 days a week are good enough. One should avoid sitting for long hours without taking a break. This is because joint overuse increases the chances of experiencing pain.
Heat and cold therapies are either used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment. Heat therapies include electric heating pads or hot baths. This therapy works by enhancing the circulation around the affected limbs. Cold therapies include the use of cold packs, cold compressions and ice packs. Cold temperature hinders transmission of pain signals through nerves.
Arthritis pain relief requires a multidisciplinary approach. It requires different specialities working together in collaboration. These include nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, general physicians and rheumatologists among others. The patient should also cooperate fully with the healthcare providers. It is only after the conservative therapies fail that surgery should be considered.
Acute symptoms have been shown to have a better response to treatment compared to those that are chronic. This is mainly due to the large extent of damage that is seen with chronically inflamed joints such as those affected by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is common for some patients to be put on lifelong treatment plans. While they may not be cured fully, treatment helps restore functionality albeit temporarily.
Your doctor needs to take a detailed history from you and to conduct a comprehensive physical so as to determine your treatment plan. The history focusses on the duration of illness, its severity and pattern of symptoms. Factors that aggravate or relive the symptoms have to be determined as well. The physical will help during the assessment of damaged joints. Laboratory and radiological investigations are often requested to aid in diagnosis.
There is no single treatment regarded as definitive cure for the condition. The common practice is to use a combination of modalities so as to provide long term relief. When on prolonged treatment, there is a need to review your options occasionally due to diminishing effectiveness. Changing of medications should be done cautiously to avoid serious side effects.
Treatment is usually started with simple analgesic agents such as NSAIDS before upgrading to stronger medication. Commonly used NSAIDS include naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They are most effective for the mild symptoms. Severe symptoms require stronger medications such as opioids. The general advice is that one should consult with their doctor to be given the way forward.
There are many other treatments that can be tried besides drugs. Regular physical exercise is recommended for persons with the condition as it helps in reduction of joint stiffness. The best time to engage in the exercises is late in the evening. Routines consisting of stretching, jogging and brisk walking for about 30 minutes at least 3 days a week are good enough. One should avoid sitting for long hours without taking a break. This is because joint overuse increases the chances of experiencing pain.
Heat and cold therapies are either used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment. Heat therapies include electric heating pads or hot baths. This therapy works by enhancing the circulation around the affected limbs. Cold therapies include the use of cold packs, cold compressions and ice packs. Cold temperature hinders transmission of pain signals through nerves.
Arthritis pain relief requires a multidisciplinary approach. It requires different specialities working together in collaboration. These include nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, general physicians and rheumatologists among others. The patient should also cooperate fully with the healthcare providers. It is only after the conservative therapies fail that surgery should be considered.
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