The condition whereby the joints are inflamed is known as arthritis. It is mainly characterized by joint aches and stiffness. These symptoms worsen as an individual grows older. There are various types of treatment and the chosen one depends on the condition type. The main reason for going for treatment is to reduce the symptoms and thus be able to perform day to day activities without stress. In looking at arthritis pain relief Toledo residents have a vast range of options.
There are instances in which one is likely to try various treatments to be able to know the best options. The medications used are varied. There are analgesics that help in reducing pain but never have any effect on inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, on the other hand reduce both pain and inflammation. There are NSAIDs that can only be gotten by prescription. The ones that are taken orally could cause stomach irritations or increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. They are also available as creams or gels and are rubbed on joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams and ointments that contain menthol or capsaicin. The latter is the ingredient that makes hot pepper spicy. When these preparations are rubbed on the skin, they will interfere with pain signal transmission from the joints. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
For some conditions, physical therapy will help. By doing exercises, there will be improvement of the range of motion and also strengthening of muscles that surround the joints. There are instances in which splints and braces have to be used. In the event that conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be suggested. There are two forms of surgery that can be used.
Joint replacement surgery involves removing joints that are damaged, then replacing them with artificial joints. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced ones. Smaller joints are treated through joint fusion surgery. These include finger, ankle and wrist joints. Other than surgery and medications, lifestyle and home remedies are also used. For example, obese persons should consider weight loss for reduction of stress on joints that bear weight. This will also increase mobility and minimize chances of future joint injuries.
Regular exercising will help in keeping joints flexible. Among the best choices of exercises are water aerobics and swimming. This is because the buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints that bear weight. Heating pads and ice packs are also a good option to use. People can also consider the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and raised toilet seats.
People use alternative medicine but their credibility is yet to be ascertained. One of these is acupuncture. It involves the use of fine needles that are inserted at specific points on the skin. This is done for the sake of reducing 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.
There are instances in which one is likely to try various treatments to be able to know the best options. The medications used are varied. There are analgesics that help in reducing pain but never have any effect on inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, on the other hand reduce both pain and inflammation. There are NSAIDs that can only be gotten by prescription. The ones that are taken orally could cause stomach irritations or increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. They are also available as creams or gels and are rubbed on joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams and ointments that contain menthol or capsaicin. The latter is the ingredient that makes hot pepper spicy. When these preparations are rubbed on the skin, they will interfere with pain signal transmission from the joints. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
For some conditions, physical therapy will help. By doing exercises, there will be improvement of the range of motion and also strengthening of muscles that surround the joints. There are instances in which splints and braces have to be used. In the event that conservative measures are not effective, surgery may be suggested. There are two forms of surgery that can be used.
Joint replacement surgery involves removing joints that are damaged, then replacing them with artificial joints. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced ones. Smaller joints are treated through joint fusion surgery. These include finger, ankle and wrist joints. Other than surgery and medications, lifestyle and home remedies are also used. For example, obese persons should consider weight loss for reduction of stress on joints that bear weight. This will also increase mobility and minimize chances of future joint injuries.
Regular exercising will help in keeping joints flexible. Among the best choices of exercises are water aerobics and swimming. This is because the buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints that bear weight. Heating pads and ice packs are also a good option to use. People can also consider the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and raised toilet seats.
People use alternative medicine but their credibility is yet to be ascertained. One of these is acupuncture. It involves the use of fine needles that are inserted at specific points on the skin. This is done for the sake of reducing 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.
