Over the years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people afflicted with arthritis. It is a fairly common disease among the aged. According to a survey, as many as 1 in 5 adults in the United States presently suffer from chronic joint pains or arthritis.
This widespread prevalence has led to the search for effective pain relief measures to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of the ailment. There are eight tips for arthritis pain relief. Arthritis isn't just a single ailment; it is a compound disorder that consists of more than 100 different conditions and can affect people of any age group.
The two most widespread forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The eight tips for arthritis pain are applicable to these two forms of arthritis also.
Both these forms have completely separate root causes, risk factors and results on the body, but they both share a common symptom, namely, unrelenting joint pain.
In addition to joint pain felt in other parts of the body, pain in the hips, knees, wrists and hands are the most common symptoms of arthritis.
If you spend many sleepless nights suffering from joint pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints, chances are you're suffering from arthritis. Arthritis pain can be subdivided into two general categories - acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain lasts for a short-term.
It can last for a few fleeting seconds or longer, but it eventually fades away as the healing process takes place.
Chronic pain ranges from mild to intense, and can last for weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. The eight tips for arthritis pain help reduce the pain and allow for a more comfortable way of living.
Eight Different Ways To Help Ease Your Arthritis Pain
With the increase in the number of patients suffering from arthritis, the options for arthritis pain relief have also expanded.
There are various alternatives to help bring relief from intense arthritis pains.
These eight tips for arthritis pain are:
Homeopathy
Warm water therapy
Heat or steam therapy
Exercises
Massage therapy
Meditation, hypnosis, hypnotherapy
Magnet therapy
Prescription drugs
Natural treatment therapies can go a long way
* Water Therapy
Water therapy has become a very popular option for pain relief. It is also known as water aerobics, and it involves performing various types of aerobic exercises in a pool.
The main advantage of this kind of treatment is that there is virtually no pressure on your joints while doing the exercises, which is a boon for arthritics beset with excruciating pain.
For most cases of arthritis, moving the joint constantly is recommended. Water therapy is the best for this because you feel buoyant and weightless in water.
Hence, water therapy is not only an easier option, but an effective one as well. Another alternative for relieving arthritis pain is using heat.
Arthritis is especially painful in the cold weather, when stiffness and soreness increase considerably. When this happens, heat is a good choice for pain relief. However, heat only relieves temporarily.
Nevertheless, if you are experiencing mild pain, using heat could prove sufficient in relieving your pain. This is a better alternative if you prefer natural treatments instead of using drugs.
* Massage
Massage is a fairly common method of treatment for joint pains.
However, the extent of relief depends on several factors like the type of massage, the kind of arthritis, and the skill or expertise of the masseuse or therapist.
The type of massage that is reported to be of considerable help to people suffering from arthritis is Swedish or "Classic" massage.
The techniques involve stroking, kneading, rubbing and vibrating, which help by increasing the blood circulation and relieving the joints and muscles from aches and pains.
* Other Sources of Relief
Nowadays, over the counter medication is widely available to help bring relief to arthritis patients.
These drugs can be very helpful provided the pain is moderately mild. In case you suffer from severe pain, you will have to discuss pain relief alternatives with your doctor.
Initially, the only requirement could be a painkiller. Visiting your doctor frequently is highly recommended so that he/she can keep you informed about your arthritis pain relief plan.
If you follow these instructions, you will be able to live an active and pain free life.
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