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.
There are instances in which one is likely to try various treatments to be able to know the best options. The medications used are varied. There are analgesics that help in reducing pain but never have any effect on inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, on the other hand reduce both pain and inflammation. There are NSAIDs that can only be gotten by prescription. The ones that are taken orally could cause stomach irritations or increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. They are also available as creams or gels and are rubbed on joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams and ointments that contain menthol or capsaicin. The latter is the ingredient that makes hot pepper spicy. When these preparations are rubbed on the skin, they will interfere with pain signal transmission from the joints. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
There are conditions that are better handled through physical therapy. Doing exercises helps to improve the range of motion while strengthening muscles surrounding joints. At times braces and splints have to be used. Surgery will be suggested in instances where conservative options fail to be of help. There are two main forms of surgery that may be performed.
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.
Regular exercising will help in keeping joints flexible. Among the best choices of exercises are water aerobics and swimming. This is because the buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints that bear weight. Heating pads and ice packs are also a good option to use. People can also consider the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and raised toilet seats.
The credibility of alternative medicine is yet to be fully ascertained but they are used widely as well. Acupuncture is one such option. Needles are inserted at particular points of the skin. This is believed to help in minimizing pain.
Yoga and massage are also effective. The slow and stretching movements of yoga improve flexibility of joints and the range of motion in those affected. Massage increases blood flow. The affected joints are warmed, relieving pain temporarily. The therapist should know the affected joints.
There are instances in which one is likely to try various treatments to be able to know the best options. The medications used are varied. There are analgesics that help in reducing pain but never have any effect on inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, on the other hand reduce both pain and inflammation. There are NSAIDs that can only be gotten by prescription. The ones that are taken orally could cause stomach irritations or increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. They are also available as creams or gels and are rubbed on joints.
Counter-irritants are the creams and ointments that contain menthol or capsaicin. The latter is the ingredient that makes hot pepper spicy. When these preparations are rubbed on the skin, they will interfere with pain signal transmission from the joints. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
There are conditions that are better handled through physical therapy. Doing exercises helps to improve the range of motion while strengthening muscles surrounding joints. At times braces and splints have to be used. Surgery will be suggested in instances where conservative options fail to be of help. There are two main forms of surgery that may be performed.
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.
Regular exercising will help in keeping joints flexible. Among the best choices of exercises are water aerobics and swimming. This is because the buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints that bear weight. Heating pads and ice packs are also a good option to use. People can also consider the use of assistive devices such as canes, walkers and raised toilet seats.
The credibility of alternative medicine is yet to be fully ascertained but they are used widely as well. Acupuncture is one such option. Needles are inserted at particular points of the skin. This is believed to help in minimizing pain.
Yoga and massage are also effective. The slow and stretching movements of yoga improve flexibility of joints and the range of motion in those affected. Massage increases blood flow. The affected joints are warmed, relieving pain temporarily. The therapist should know the affected joints.
