Arthritis affects millions of people in this country every day and unfortunately, there is no cure for it. With various therapies and treatment methods, you can improve the quality of your life and reduce the amount of pain. Medications can be prescribed and the effectiveness of other treatments will depend on the type of arthritis, severity of symptoms, and the patient's general health.
Some find relief in simply applying either heat or cold, or both, to the affected area. You can use warm towels, ice packs, heating pads, or take a warm shower or bath. Wearing clothes fresh from the dryer can even alleviate minor aches and pains. Those with morning stiffness can benefit from a heating pad or warm shower being added to the morning routine.. Cold can numb the pain and reduce swollen joints. Ice packs or even frozen bags of vegetables will suffice. Never put hot or cold items on your joints for more than fifteen minutes at a time.
There are many over-the-counter creams and gels that work well on painful joints. These can be good for both mild to more severe arthritis pain. However, the relief they offer is only temporary. Many of the ingredients in pain relieving gels and creams deplete a pain neurotransmitter which temporarily desensitizes pain to the area. Some pain relieving gels are cool to the touch while others provide a warming sensation. Items like Orthogel, Sombra, and Tiger Balm are useful products to choose. Arthritis isn't just limited to the hands. It's the inflammation of any joints and knees are a common source of pain. By placing insoles or wedges in shoes, you can reduce pain in your knees while walking. Wedges on the bottom of the shoe will alter your gait, reducing pressure on the knee joints.
When at the pharmacy, stock up on pain relievers and supplements. Although the idea of frequently taking pain relievers isn't something that appeals to everyone, they work. Choose acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In terms of supplements, take plenty of calcium. Inflammatory arthritis can accelerate bone loss. The recommended dosage is 1,200 mg for adults over fifty.
Exercise is crucial and it is one of the best treatment methods. Not only will it decrease your pain, it will increase your flexibility. Stick with exercises that increase range of motion, improve endurance, decrease fatigue, and strengthen muscles. The exercise you choose will also depend on the joints affected and how stable they are. It's best to ask your doctor for recommended workout regiments.
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OTC Wholesale is a medical wholesale supplier of TENS Units, TENS Electrodes, muscle stimulators, portable ultrasounds, insulin syringes, pain relief gels like CryoDerm, Biofreeze, Orthogel, Sombra, and Tiger Balm, and other materials.