1. Arthritis--A Painful Subject
Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of a joint, which causes pain and makes movement difficult. If left untreated, arthritis can cause permanent joint damage. Some types of arthritic pain are felt after use, such as after gardening or a workout. Other types of arthritis pain are unrelated to activity. Most people who have arthritis are stiff in the morning, but the stiffness and pain decrease as movement increases throughout the day.
2. A Disease for Young and Old
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis isn't just a problem of old age. In fact, more than two-thirds of arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints or repeated stress injuries to the joint. The second most common form of arthritis is an auto-immune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children under the age of 16 and the cause is unknown.
3. Give Pain a Temporary Boot
Drugs to relieve arthritis pain and swelling include over-the-counter non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) which include aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is classified as an analgesic, which is a pain reliever. Over-the-counter acetaminophen does not relieve swelling. However, there are prescriptions available that combine it with anti-inflammatories. Other medications are prescribed for the type and severity of arthritis, and include steroids to relieve swelling and narcotic based pain relievers. DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) help reduce joint damage, if prescribed early in the disease process. Lidocaine patches are effective in some patients, and many patients and doctors alike recommend using the supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin to protect the cartilage and joints.
4. Minimize Discomfort
Apply hot or cold to the joint, whichever is most effective for you. A frozen bag of peas wrapped in a thick towel and applied to the joint may help some. Others will be helped with a heating pad. Whichever you use, hot or cold, remember to remove it frequently. Pain relieving rubs and gels can ease pain and increase blood flow to the affected joint. Over-the-counter hot or cold patches may also work well for some. Rest the affected area frequently, but make sure you get out of bed and move so your joints don't become even stiffer.
5. Easy Does It
During a flare up of arthritis, doctors recommend frequent rest of the affected joints, with the caution that you must continue to move to avoid excessive pain and stiffness. Avoid exercise that stresses the joints; instead, use gentle range of motion exercises to maintain flexibility. Swimming and exercising in the pool is one of the best exercises for arthritis, because there is no pressure on the joints when you move. No pressure on the joints makes it easier to exercise and the pain is greatly diminished.
