Arthritis can cause discomfort, swelling and stiffness in your joints. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to MayoClinic.com. Osteoarthritis is typically degenerative and happens over time from wear and tear on your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where patients endure chronic inflammation of the joints and the tissue around the joints. While there is no cure for either type of arthritis, there are ways to ease the stiffness and reduce the pain.
Step 1
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs can help to temporarily reduce your inflammation, which is the cause of the stiffness. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories include ibuprofen, which is found in products such as Advil and Motrin, and naproxen, commonly found in Aleve. Stronger anti-inflammatory drugs are available by prescription only. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle or as given to you by your doctor.
Step 2
Rub counterirritants on the affected areas. Counterirritants are gels and creams that temporarily help with pain and inflammation.
Step 3
Exercise in order to get your blood flowing and improve circulation to reduce stiffness and pain from arthritis. Plus, exercise will strengthen the supporting muscles around joints, which helps to take stress off your joints and can result in less pain. Walking, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers and yoga are all beneficial exercises for those who suffer from arthritis.
Step 4
Visit an acupuncturist to get relief from inflammation and stiffness. Acupuncture balances the energy in your body through the insertion of small needles in particular pressure points; blocked energy can cause disease, pain and problems such as arthritis. Regular acupuncture sessions may help with the stiffness that you are experiencing from your arthritis.
Step 5
Take corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone. These drugs help to reduce your inflammation and pain while also suppressing your immune system. If your pain is particularly bad in a specific joint, a cortisone shot can be administered directly in the affected joint. Cortisone shots should only be administered under a physician's care.
Step 6
Lose weight to help with the pressure that is placed on your joints. If your joints are already compromised by arthritis, then carrying around extra body weight is only going to make the situation worse. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should lose in order to help relieve your symptoms.
Step 7
Apply ice and heat. This should be done under instructions from a physician, as each person's situation is different. Some people benefit from one more than the other, while either heat or ice could actually make your condition worse.
Things You'll Need
- NSAIDs
- Counterirritants
- Acupuncturist
- Ice
- Heat
