| Pain is the primary symptom of arthritis. While all | | | | overweight. |
| types of arthritis cause pain, there are specific | | | | Exercise strengthens the muscles that protect |
| steps you can take that should help. | | | | the joints and improves range of motion. Exercise |
| The following are some simple steps you can | | | | can also increase endorphin production by the |
| take to relieve the pain associated with | | | | brain and alleviate pain. |
| arthritisÂ… | | | | Transcutaneous nerve stimulation units (TENS) |
| First of all take the prescribed medication the | | | | are small portable electrical devices that block pain |
| proper way. Do not take more than the advised | | | | signal transmission. These units are safe and easy |
| dosage. Ask your doctor about possible drug | | | | to use. |
| interactions. If the medicines don’t seem | | | | Herbal supplements such as boswellia, turmeric, |
| to be effective, you will probably need to try | | | | capsaicin, and nutraceuticals such as omega-3 oils |
| other types. Different medicines relieve pain via | | | | and glucosamine/chondroitin may be every |
| different pathways. Ask your doctor which pain | | | | effective in relieving pain due to arthritis. |
| medicine approach is best for your type of | | | | Acupuncture has been shown in multiple controlled |
| arthritis. The subject of medicines for pain can be | | | | studies to be effective for the pain related to |
| found in another article. | | | | osteoarthritis. It also is useful for fibromyalgia. |
| Rest. Sometimes resting an inflamed joint will help | | | | Cognitive behavioral therapy is another modality |
| relieve pain a lot. | | | | that is particularly helpful in fibromyalgia. This uses |
| Apply heat or ice. Depending on the problem, heat | | | | the power of the mind to help lead the patient to |
| or ice may help. Heat is generally better for | | | | a more pain-free way of thinking. Closely related |
| chronic muscle soreness and spasm whereas ice | | | | modalities such as meditation and self-hypnosis |
| works better for acute muscle problems as well | | | | are also valuable. |
| as primary joint complaints. | | | | Massage therapy can be useful in situations where |
| Weight loss is advised if weight-bearing joints are | | | | there is a lot of muscle spasm and tension. |
| involved (low back, hips, knees) and you are | | | | |