Arthritis, which is the general term used to define over a hundred types of arthritic diseases, is the disease that causes joint inflammation. It is manifested by joint inflammation and stiffness. The affected area is also tender and warm to touch. Also, the movement of the affected joint can become limited.
These symptoms cause great pain and discomfort to the patient, and although there is no definite arthritis treatment that will permanently cure the disease, there are treatments that will relieve the pain and discomfort.
One popular arthritis treatment is the administration of medication that could provide quick pain relief. Pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen are usually prescribed to arthritic patients. However, some medications promise long-term results, like biological response modifiers which are drugs that reduce the swelling of the joints by stopping the reaction of an immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor. Enbrel and Remicade are examples of this arthritis treatment.
Getting massages from accredited therapists can also be an effective arthritis treatment. A massage increases blood flow to the affected area. However, the muscles surrounding the swollen joint are very sensitive, therefore, it is important that the therapist is knowledgeable about the disease.
Home remedies like cold packs or heating pads also help relieve discomfort. But it is not advisable for people have bad blood circulation to use cold packs. Splints and braces are also recommended for arthritic patients because they protect the affected joints. They also allow the stressed joints to relax, which facilitates healing.
There are also clinical procedures that can alleviate the suffering of arthritis patients. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS aims to stop pain messages from reaching the brain and by modifying pain perception. In TENS, a small device is inserted beneath the skin over the affected area. This device directs electric impulses to nerve endings that are located under the skin and relieves the pain.
In extreme cases, surgery may also be recommended. Some procedures that can help are realignment of joints, removal of synovium or the complete replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial one. Joint replacement is the most beneficial procedure because it improves joint motion and provides great pain relief.
Another recommendation for patients with arthritis is weight reduction. Weight-bearing joints like the hips and the knees are strained when a person carries excess weight. Exercise is also believed to be therapeutic for patients with arthritis. Aerobics, swimming and walking are best for reducing joint pain and stiffness. Stretching can also help. However, an accredited therapist must oversee the exercise program that you are going to follow.
Some arthritic patients follow special diets and take specific supplements, but these still do not have medically-approved therapeutic benefits. Alternative treatments like acupuncture are also sought out by patients, but it has not yet been scientifically-proven to have beneficial effects.
When untreated, arthritis can be a life-altering disease. It could have detrimental effects to your lifestyle, making simple acts like brushing your teeth or taking a bath virtually impossible to do. Early administration of treatments can give a world of difference to those who suffer from arthritis.
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