I have lived with arthritis for 28 years, and as I look back at all the treatments that I have received over the years, there are a few things I would definitely change.
One frustration is that doctors just prescribe pain pills instead of doing more investigation of how and when your arthritis symptoms began.
Here are more things I wish I had known about arthritis:
Start with the Basics
What is one thing you probably have in your freezer that can reduce arthritis pain? That would be ice. You can use a cold pack or just put ice cubes in a hand towel and apply them to the painful areas. Do this for 20 minutes several times a day. Such an inexpensive pain reliever with so many benefits:
- Decreases inflammation. Cold causes the blood vessels of the muscles to constrict, and can therefore decrease the flow of blood and help reduce inflammation.
- Slows the production of joint fluid. Synovial joint fluid is essential to a healthy joint, but too much can contribute to swelling and discomfort. Applying a cold compress to a resting joint can slow down the production of joint fluid.
- Distracts the brain from the inflammation. Cooling an inflamed joint can stimulate sensory receptors in the skin and decrease the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
I like heat therapy better because I am always cold. We have heated seats in our car which help relieve pain when we’re on the go. Use a heating pad, or if you’re old school like me, a hot water bottle. A hot cloth may also work well. How does heat therapy help arthritis? Heat boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body. It often works best for morning stiffness or to warm up muscles before activity.
Use Topical Medications
I never realized that topical pain medications were even an option until my doctor suggested trying it. Topical pain medications are absorbed through your skin. The most common varieties are creams or gels that you rub onto the skin over your painful joints. Some come in a spray or a patch.
A Salonpas pain relief patch is a good place to start. It’s easier if someone can put the patch on for you. It tends to pull up on the corners so you need to have it smoothed down when you first put it on. Follow all directions on the product for maximum benefit. The patch sticks well but may irritate your skin when you pull it off.
Using pain cream is another alternative. You can ask for a prescription for a topical pain cream or buy the generic version over the counter. Rub it in thoroughly on the painful area and you need to leave it on for at least ten minutes without clothing touching it. One of the best things about the cream is that you can rub it into your skin as many as four times a day.
Stretch Several Times a Day
There are two main kinds of stretches: dynamic and static. Dynamic stretching involves moving through a range of motion to warm up joints and muscles and increase flexibility.
With static stretching, you hold a stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. You may feel some mild tension, but there shouldn’t be any pain. Try these stretches and see if it is something you want to incorporate into your daily exercise routine. I like to start stretching as soon as I get up, but use the timetable that is best for you.
Lose Weight
No one told me I needed to lose weight. I have an active exercise schedule and I may have been able to lose weight by exercise alone. I would be lying if I said I didn’t like to eat, but I enjoy a wide variety of foods and could have stepped up my intake of protein, fruits, and vegetables. I know, I should have done that anyway, but I thought I could have a few treats along with the good stuff.
Summary
Yes, there are things I could have done differently, but you can’t turn back the clock. Start by consulting with your doctor who can order an x-ray or scans to determine your treatment plan. Try some of these tips and see if you have less arthritis pain. Your joints will thank you.
