Arthritis Remedies
- If you live with chronic arthritis pain, there are some things you can do to change your lifestyle and relieve your symptoms. Exercise, for example, is essential for people who suffer from arthritis. If you have arthritis, you may think that exercise will only make your pain worse; however, the opposite is actually true. Exercise strengthens your bones and joints, works out your sore muscles, and helps you control your weight; all of these factors will improve your arthritis symptoms. You do not have to become a bodybuilder overnight; simple, moderate exercises like walking around your neighborhood or swimming a few laps in a pool can make a big difference in relieving your arthritis pain.
If you do plan to start an exercise routine, consult your doctor first. It is a good idea to engage in low-impact exercises, such as walking; but you should avoid high-impact aerobics or jogging. Range-of-motion exercises, such as stretching or yoga, can also be very beneficial in working out your joints. Biking or t'ai chi may also be beneficial and enjoyable for you. - Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medications, such as Prednisone, to manage your arthritis pain. These medications are designed to suppress inflammation; they mimic the functions of natural steroids. They can be taken orally, topically, by inhaler or injection. Side effects are a real possibility with these medications, and may include glaucoma, weight gain, mood swings, loss of calcium from bones, and high blood sugar (which can lead to or worsen diabetes). These effects are worse for oral corticosteroids and lesser for the topical varieties. You should talk to your doctor to weigh out the benefits and risks of these medications.
Topical creams also exist that can go a long way in soothing arthritis pain. For example, some medications are designed to make your skin feel hot or cold, which can soothe the inflammation you feel with your arthritis. These medicines include products like Icy Hot or oil of wintergreen. Other creams are pain rubs that function similarly to aspirin; they relieve pain and aching joints. Bengay and Aspercreme are examples of this type of medication. Capsaicin creams, such as Capzaisin or Zostrix, may work to relieve pain that is close to the skin's surface, such as in knuckles or other joints. - Some herbal remedies have been advertised to help with pain relief for arthritis. However, it is important to remember that herbal "medications" are not regulated by the FDA the way that traditional medicines are. Always ask your doctor before taking any herbal medication.
Some topical treatments, such as eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil, are safe to apply to your skin as pain relievers. However, you should always watch to see if you have an allergic reaction to anything you put on your skin.
Arthritis patients often turn to acupuncture to manage their pain. In acupuncture, you would lie on a table while a skilled technician inserted needles into specific parts of your body. In combination with other pain remedies, acupuncture can be very beneficial in controlling pain. This can be a good alternative for people who do not respond to or do not want to take traditional medications for their pain.
