The joints are the junction points in the body where bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage come together and make movement possible. Arthritis is a condition that has many different forms, but it always affects the joints. They can become sore, inflamed, red, stiff and, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, they can deteriorate due to an immune response in the body. If you suffer from any form of arthritis, there are several steps you can take to relieve the symptoms.
Step 1
Take over-the-counter medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), available at pharmacies, help to reduce inflammation and pain in your joints. Examples of these are naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen.
Step 2
Get a prescription drug. Tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone, biologics and corticosteroids are all prescription formulas to suppress your immune system, relive pain and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can be delivered by way of a shot or oral medication.
Step 3
Apply a cream to your joints. Capsaicin is a substance that causes peppers to be hot and it is also an ingredient in various lotions and creams. You can get an over-the-counter cream with this ingredient and apply it to your sore joints for relief.
Step 4
Get into the water. When you are immobile, your joints have a tendency to stay stiff. Partake in light exercise to improve your flexibility. Water aerobics is a good option because you are very buoyant in water and there is no impact on your joints.
Step 5
Keep your joints protected. Avoid any kind of positions or actions that can place undo stress on your joints. Do not kneel on the ground if your knees are sore and do not use your sore hands to force open a jammed door.
Step 6
Lose excess weight. If you are overweight or obese, your joints have to endure more stress, which can exacerbate your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing weight can increase your mobility and limit future injury. To lose a pound a week, try reducing your daily intake by 500 calories.
Step 7
Get acupuncture. Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that involves inserting small needles into various meridian points on the body to relieve pain and symptoms of a condition. Look for a local acupuncturist to get this treatment done for your arthritis pain.
