Most Effective Treatment Options for Arthritis

Globally, there are more than 350 million people who are suffering from pain and limited movement because of arthritis. The disease has no cure but can significantly impact a person’s life. However, the battle is not lost and there is significant research in finding novel treatments for relieving the symptoms of this condition. Besides medicines, many other treatment options can provide pain relief to arthritis patients.

If you are someone who is looking to find solutions to end your arthritis pain, then read on below:

Different Methods for Treating Arthritis

1. Heat and cold therapy

This is one of the simplest ways to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as stiffness, swelling, and pain. Easily done at home, thermotherapy is effective because temperature fluctuations can affect nerve sensation, blood flow, and inflammation. You can start by taking a warm bath or by placing a dry heating pad on your joint. This can be followed by placing an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on your joint. Thermotherapy is only effective in the areas where the cold and hot packs are applied. It will not be useful for relieving discomfort and pain in other areas of your body.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy has emerged as an important approach for helping in pain management for certain types of arthritis. With the help of customized exercises tailored to your needs, physical therapy can improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles around the joints. A physical therapy regimen can involve either of the following: weight machines, equipment like exercise balls, resistance bands, and aerobic exercise machines. You should try to get in touch with physical therapy experts who can provide you with outcome-based programs for pain relief.

3. Therapeutic shots 

Therapeutic shots are directly injected into the joint. Once these injections are given, you can expect pain relief immediately. These injections are effective for several weeks or months after the first shot has been given. Since they have long-term benefits, these therapeutic injections are commonly recommended for chronic joint pain. Some of the common ones are corticosteroids and epidural injections.

4. Joint immobilization

Braces, splints, and contraptions can be used to protect the joint from further injuries and provide relief from swelling and pain. These may be advised by your rheumatologist if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Splints and braces can also help with rigid and deformed joints. They can support your joint when in use and also when you are sleeping or sitting.

5. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy uses low-voltage electric currents to provide pain relief. The electrical impulses generated from a TENS machine can reduce the pain signals being transmitted to the spinal cord and brain. This can relax your muscles and relieve your pain.

6. Acupuncture

Studies have indicated that patients who received acupuncture for arthritis have improved their quality of life. They report less pain and improved muscle strength.

7. Medicines

The medications used for arthritis will depend on the type of arthritis. Most commonly, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Some of these medicines include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, etc. Besides these, your rheumatologist can also prescribe certain ointments and creams containing menthol for aching joints.

Is Surgery a Treatment Option for Arthritis?

When the above-mentioned approaches don’t work in treating your arthritis, then the doctor may recommend surgery. The most important goal of surgery is to treat your pain.

There can be many types of surgery such as joint replacement,  fusion, or arthroscopy. It may take around 6 months to recover fully from surgery. To ensure that you make a complete recovery, you can think about enrolling in a rehabilitation program after your surgery. Receiving rehabilitation from experts can fasten your recovery.

What can I do to manage my Arthritis?

In addition to treatments, you can also play an important role in managing your arthritis. Some of the steps you can follow are:

• Be organized and try to take charge of your treatment by keeping a check on your pain, symptoms, and medications and talking about the side effects with your rheumatologist
• Try to stay active by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet
• Address and take care of your mental health needs
• Try to manage your fatigue
• Maintain good sleep hygiene

These steps can help you manage arthritis and improve your quality of life.

How can MediGence help with Arthritis?

For patients who are looking to undergo surgery for their arthritis, we can connect you with well-renowned orthopedic surgeons at the destination of your choice. With our network of internationally accredited hospitals around the world, you can receive high-quality treatment at a reasonable price. We also provide carefully crafted packages for a joint replacement that are inclusive of post-operative rehabilitation services to fasten your recovery.

Conclusion

When you have arthritis, you become all too familiar with chronic pain. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many treatment options available for you that can help you get rid of the pain that has been stopping you from enjoying your life. Get in touch with an expert rheumatologist today to know the best treatment options for your arthritis!

References Links:

• https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/fatigue-sleep/how-to-beat-arthritis-fatigue
• https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis-surgery-for-joint-pain-relief

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12061-arthritis