Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain is caused by the inflammation in between the joints. The cause for the inflammation will depend on the type of arthritis a person has. For example, with osteoarthritis, (one of the most common forms of arthritis), the inflammation is due to the joints wearing down. Yet, if the cause is rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is a result of the white blood cells attacking the joints. Other causes for inflammation could include an infection, (septic or reactive arthritis) or uric acid build-up, (gouty arthritis). Either way, the arthritis pain associated with these conditions is the same.
So, what is arthritis pain like? The simple answer is that arthritis pain will either be chronic or acute. Chronic arthritis pain will last over a longer period of time, while acute arthritis pain will only last a few seconds. Yet, both forms can be very discomforting. Some types of arthritis pain have been described as a direct, ‘stabbing’ sensation, as if the area was actually being attacked by a sharp knife. Others describe think arthritis pain is more throbbing, as there seems to be an equal distribution of it throughout the whole area. Either way, the arthritis pain is not pleasant, and tends to render a person immobile.
What can be done to remedy arthritis pain? It depends on the form of arthritis a person has. For example, the arthritis pain associated with septic or reactive arthritis tends to go away once the bacteria causing the condition has been killed by antibiotics or other medications. Arthritis pain associated with gouty arthritis can be relieved if the body’s uric acid levels are lowered. Yet, things aren’t so simple for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. With these types of arthritis, the problem is caused by the body not functioning properly, an issue that cannot be remedied. So, to relieve the arthritis pain for these conditions, one has to resort to just treating the pain rather than eliminating the overall cause of the arthritis.
The types of drugs that are given to help alleviate arthritis pain are those that act as pain-killers and anti-inflammatory agents. In regards to the latter function, this simply means that the drugs help to lower the inflammation that occurs around the affected joints. In terms of the form of arthritis pain medication, they can be taken orally or through an ointment. Many arthritis pain medications are available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. However, the more powerful ones will require doctor’s approval, though a person should use caution with them. This is because many of them have side-effects that are more serious than even the arthritis pain itself. If your doctor feels you are more susceptible to these side-effects, you may want to experiment with other forms of arthritis pain relief.
Speaking of which, what are other forms of arthritis pain relief? The best way to answer this question is to go on the Internet, because there are hundreds out there. Many of them will come in the form of supplements or drugs, though these need to be taken with as much caution as prescription arthritis pain medication, if not more so, (since they are not FDA-approved). Other alternative arthritis pain cures may include special diets, exercise routines or Eastern remedies, (such as acupuncture).
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.