Sunday, 26 October 2014

Forms Of Arthritis Pain Relief Toledo

By Jocelyn Davidson


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.

At certain times, one has to try a number of treatment options or a combination of options for the best outcomes. There are various medications in use. Analgesics are used for reduction of pain but are not the solution to inflammation. For the treatment of soreness and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are used. Some drugs in this category are only bought with prescriptions. Oral NSAIDs may cause irritation of the stomach and increase the risk of heart attack. There are also gels and creams that are rubbed on the joints.

Counter-irritants are creams that have the components capsaicin and menthol. The former is the substance used to make hot peppers spicy. When they are rubbed on the skin, these preparations ensure there is no transmission of pain signals from joints. Rheumatoid arthritis gets treated using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs stop the immune system from attacking 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 involves removal of the damaged joints and replacing them with artificial ones. Knees and hips are the commonly replaced joints. For smaller joints, joint fusion surgery is used. Such joints include those in the ankle, fingers and wrists. Besides surgery and the use of medications, there is the use of lifestyle and home remedies. For instance, those that are obese should lose weight to reduce the stress on joints that bear the weight. Mobility will be improved and future joint injury limited.

Through regular exercising, the joints will be kept flexible. The best exercises are swimming and water aerobics. These are good exercises because the up-thrust force of water reduces joint stress. The use of heating pads and ice packs also reduces pain. There are persons that also consider the use of assistive devices like walkers, raised toilets seats and canes.

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.

Massage and yoga are also in use. Stretching and slow movements of yoga enhance joint flexibility and improve the range of motion. Blood flow can be improved by going for massage. Joints that are affected get warmed and thus pain will be relieved temporarily. Before the massage, the therapist should know the joints that are affected.




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