The Sugar-Pain Connection

• Many people have noted the anecdotal effect a sugar-free diet has had on their pain. Is there a connection? There seems to be a strong 30-year track record of information suggesting that eliminating sugar from the diet is a good place to start for arthritis relief. Other dietary recommendations include eliminating red meat and increasing intake of vitamin C.
  
  

Other Pain Relief Methods

• Many arthritis sufferers use Lycra gloves and socks to help improve range of motion, reduce swelling and offer pain relief. These gloves and socks compress the painful areas and are available in a variety of styles, including open-fingered, seamless and with added splints meant to help typists.
  Other methods, such as "spray and stretch" and stress relief practices also provide pain relief for arthritis sufferers. Spray and stretch is a technique in which the painful area is sprayed with a numbing medicine and stretched to improve range of motion and provide pain relief.
  
  

Topical Pain Relief

• There are many gels and creams on the market that offer topical pain relief, and many are available over the counter, though you should consult with a doctor before taking any medications. These treatments typically provide relief minutes after they are applied and fall into one of three categories:
  
  Counterirritants: These are creams that make your skin feel hot or cold, thanks to ingredients such as wintergreen, menthol, eucalyptus and spruce, and include well-known brands such as Tiger Balm, Biofreeze and Ben Gay.
  
  Topical analgesics: These gels have ingredients that relieve pain topically in the same way that aspirin relieves pain systemically, giving the user immediate relief and less irritation since it doesn't go through the digestive system.
  
  Capsaicin creams: The active ingredient in these creams is capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. Typically, these creams must be applied regularly for one to two weeks before pain relief occurs, so they do not offer immediate relief. However, once they have been used regularly they do provide relief, and they are especially good for relieving pain near the surface of the skin.
  
  

Over the Counter Medications

• Acetaminophen, aspirin and NSAIDs such as Advil are all good medicines for temporary relief of arthritis pain, usually beginning to work within 30 minutes and lasting four to six hours. This can provide relief for the arthritis sufferer after physical activity or even a day of sitting still for a long period.