Arthritis Pain Relief
When a person is going through an arthritis attack, the only thing on their mind is what is going to provide the best arthritis pain relief. Yet, only an individual arthritis sufferer will be able to fully answer that question. This is because everyone’s body will respond differently to the various types of arthritis pain relief that are available. So, the best way to find the perfect arthritis pain relief is to try a variety of them until you get one that does the job. This article will provide information on three common forms of arthritis pain relief. These include over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medication is actually a type of arthritis pain relief that many doctors will recommend. So, a person won’t have to worry about whether or not such forms of relief are safe, (as long as they follow the instructions in terms of usage). Over-the-counter medications for arthritis pain relief will come in the following forms: NSAIDS, hot/cold treatment, pain rubs, capsaicin creams and patch/gel prescriptions. Each of these are provided in more detail below.
1. NSAIDS
NSAIDS work by relieving pain and lessening inflammation around the joints. Aleve is an example of a common form of arthritis pain relief that is an NSAID.
2. Hot/Cold Treatment
Hot/Cold arthritis pain treatment works by making the sufferer feel a hot or cold sensation around the joint, distracting them from the arthritis pain itself. Hot/Cold arthritis pain treatment can come in the form of creams or ointments or through a heating pad or ice pack.
3. Pain Rubs
Pain rubs are a form of arthritis pain treatment that contain aspirin to help relieve pain. But it doesn’t end there as these products also reduce the inflammation in the joints, (like NSAIDS). Bengay is a popular pain rub, though it has often been the subject for comedic fodder since it has a very strong smell.
4. Capsaicin Creams
Capsaicin creams are a type of arthritis pain treatment that are made from capsaicin, a compound found in chili pepper seeds. Capsaicin treatment works by lowering the amount of substance P nerve cells receive. This is a chemical that is needed to help the brain send out pain messages.
5. Patch/Gel Prescriptions
Many patches or gel-based arthritis pain treatments are also considered NSAIDS, but they do not come in pill-form. Instead they are applied directly onto the affected area. They tend to be more effective than pill-based NSAIDS but carry more side-effects.
Home Remedies
Home remedies provide an alternative form of arthritis pain treatment. Unlike over-the-counter medications, most home remedies are not considered official forms of treatment. However, some of them are being studied. For example, cherries are a common home remedy for gouty arthritis. They work by lowering uric acid levels, relieving the sufferer of the arthritis. Studies have shown that cherries do provide some relief for gout, though doctors won’t make such a claim official especially since more money can be made with prescription drugs.
Anyway, to find more home remedies associated with arthritis, you can search for them on Google or look into buying books like The Doctor’s Home Book of Remedies. The best thing about this book is that all of the arthritis pain treatments suggested have been thoroughly researched by the author, who is a physician himself.
Special Arthritis Diets
People who have arthritis are usually advised to go on a special diet which includes eating whole grain, fruits, vegetables, milk and yoghurt. This diet will make your bones grow stronger, help you lose weight if you are currently overweight and can boost your immune system.
Arthritis Treatments
Although arthritis isn’t life threatening it can cause serious pain and often doctors can’t help suffers with a suitable treatment. Drugs can be given as a treatment however they can only help a small amount of people with arthritis, you may want to consider surgery or a change to your lifestyle as instead.