Arthritis leads to pain and inflammation of the tissues of the joint. This condition has several symptoms, but the most common include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis can lead to deformities and a restricted range of motion if ignored. There are numerous types of arthritis, each with a distinct set of signs and physical repercussions.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Arthritis?
1. Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis can result when your bones encounter wear and tear. They rub together and become damaged due to friction. Osteoarthritis causes joint inflammation.
2. Rheumatoid: This is an autoimmune type of arthritis that prompts symptoms in your body. It commonly happens when your body produces white blood cells to attack healthy tissue.
3. Juvenile: This type of arthritis is common in children. It affects developing joint tissues.
4. Septic arthritis affects the joints’ tissues. Its cause may be fungal, mycobacterial, viral, or bacterial.
How to Manage Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of discomfort and impairment globally. There are several methods for reducing the pain associated with this condition. But before beginning any form of treatment for arthritis, it is essential to consult with your doctor. Here are some arthritis treatment options.
1. Use Medication
The medication used to treat arthritis varies according to the type of this illness.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Examples include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, and others). NSAIDs may have side effects such as stomach irritation. These drugs are also available as gels or creams.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone reduce pain and inflammation and slow down joint damage. They may be administered as an injection or a pill into a painful joint. Its side effects include weight gain and thinning of bones.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow down the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis type and save the tissues of the joint from permanent damage.
2. Get Enough Exercise
Exercise can also help arthritis patients in various ways, such as managing their weight, keeping their joints flexible, and strengthening the muscles around their joints. It is best to start exercising with another person or a trainer to increase motivation.
3. Try Using Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy can help relieve arthritis. Heat treatments may include taking a warm bath in the morning and using a moist heating pad or an electric blanket to ease stiffness and reduce discomfort. Cold treatments can help relieve joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. Wrap a gel ice bag or pack of frozen vegetables in clothing or a towel and apply it to painful joints.
4. Follow a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole foods can boost your immune system and your health in general. A study has shown that dietary choices can affect people with arthritis. Using a plant-based diet, you get antioxidants, which can help eliminate inflammation by reducing your body’s free radicals.
Can You Relieve Arthritis Naturally?
There are several ways to ease arthritis pain naturally, including staying active, changing your diet, managing your weight, meditating, and taking herbal supplements. Some alternative therapies and body massages could also assist by relieving swelling and stiffness or improving flexibility. You can also try acupuncture, which works to reroute energy and restore balance in your body.
Authored by Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
