Each kind of arthritis is handled a little differently, but there are some common treatment choices. Rest, exercise, a well-balanced diet, and learning to protect your joints are key to living with any kind of arthritis.
The right shoes and a cane can help with pain in the feet, knees, and hips when walking. You can also find gadgets to help you open jars and bottles or to turn the doorknobs in your house more easily. However, beware of unproven arthritis remedies as they have not been scientifically tested, and some are potentially harmful. Learning how to manage the pain caused by arthritis is key to living a pain-free life.
Acetaminophen can safely ease arthritis pain. Some NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, are sold without a prescription. Other NSAIDs must be prescribed by a doctor. But in 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned people about the possible side effects of some NSAIDs, both those sold with or without a prescription. You should read the warnings on the package or insert that comes with the drug. Talk to your doctor about if and how you should use acetaminophen or NSAIDs for your arthritis pain.
Along with taking the right medicine and properly resting your joints, exercise is a good way to stay fit, keep muscles strong, and control arthritis symptoms. Daily exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps keep joints moving, decreases pain, and makes muscles around the joints stronger.
Along with exercise and weight control, there are other ways to ease the pain around joints. You might find comfort by applying heat or cold, soaking in a warm bath, or swimming in a heated pool.
Your doctor may suggest surgery when damage to your joints becomes disabling or when other treatments do not help with pain. Surgeons can repair or replace these joints with artificial (man-made) ones. In the most common operations, doctors replace hips and knees.
Recent studies suggest that Chinese acupuncture may ease OA pain for some people. Research now shows that the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin may help lessen your OA pain. However, more information is needed before anyone can be sure.
Many people with arthritis try remedies that have not been scientifically tested or proven helpful. Some remedies, such as snake venom, are harmful. Others, such as copper bracelets, are harmless, but also unproven.
Signs of an Unproven Remedy
Sources:
- Living With Arthritis - Arthritis Foundation
- Arthritis Treatment & Diagnosis - Mayo Clinic
- Understanding Arthritis Treatment - WebMD
- Arthritis Foundation
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.