A variety of arthritis treatments reduce the pain and inflammation of affected joints. Treatments can improve joint function, so many arthritis sufferers find their lives returning to normal or near-normal.
People might find improvement through one method or a combination of treatments.
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Medication often provides immediate relief from joint pain or symptoms. Over-the-counter acetaminophen can reduce pain but doesn’t appear to manage inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, knowns as NSAIDs, reduce pain and
inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Some creams and ointments that contain capsaicin may reduce pain in aching joints. Stronger drugs, such as corticosteroids, can be injected into the affected area or taken orally to reduce pain, Mayo said. If all remedies don’t seem to work, doctors may recommend surgery to remove damaged joints through joint replacement or joint fusion.
Exercise is an important part of arthritis treatment,
according to the American College of Rheumatology. Strength exercises, aerobic exercises and aquatic exercises all may provide therapeutic relief from arthritis symptoms while increasing flexibility or mobility in the body. Doctors may recommend exercising or participating in exercise programs in warm-water pools. The water makes physical moves easier, so people can improve their exercise program gradually to strengthen muscles and protect joints.
Regular exercise improves flexibility in the muscles and joints. People with arthritis can start an exercise program slowly. Pain may intensify in the beginning, but the body strengthens as they gradually work up to exercising 20 to 30 minutes a day three or four times a week, ACR said. Walking, running, bicycling, swimming or aerobic exercises can improve joint movement and relieve stress from arthritis.
Hot and cold therapy works to deal with pain and stiffness to particular areas. Use a hot pack or warm towel over the affected area. Sometimes warm showers or baths can relieve arthritis symptoms. Using an ice pack or gel helps areas that may flare-up following physical activity.
Among the popular treatments for arthritis are lifestyle changes individuals can make to reduce symptoms and eliminate painful episodes. Losing weight can take off the extra pounds that put more pressure on the joints, Mayo said. Maintaining a healthy weight puts less stress on the joints to provide the body with improved mobility.
A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and fewer fatty foods helps weight management. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids may also help to reduce joint
stiffness and pain, noted Healthline. Fish oil supplements or eating fish high in omega-3s, including salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, can help. Herbal supplements, such as ginkgo and stinging nettle, may reduce joint pain.
Alternative therapies bring relief to some patients, Mayo said. Acupuncture may work for some people as an arthritis treatment by redirecting the energy sources within the body. It helps to restore balance to the body to strengthen the muscles and bones.
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