When medication stops working. What do you do? I rely on my arthritis medications to give me the best quality of life possible. If I am wracked with pain, I don’t want to participate in the things that I enjoy.
In the last two weeks, I have experienced a medication rebound. My pain lasted every minute of every day, and I was just miserable. I had taken these medications for a long time, and I hadn’t changed anything.
According to Lindsay S. Lally, MD, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, “If after several months on a medication, a patient has ongoing or worsening joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, that tells us switching medications is warranted.”
You may hate going to the doctor, but pain is a powerful motivator. This is one of the most important steps you can take. Your doctor has access to your medical history, can review changes in your symptoms, and discuss other alternative treatments.
I’ve discovered what works by trial and error, and I want to share these tips with you:
Adjust Medication Dosage
You don’t want to take higher doses of medications, but to control the pain it may be necessary. There may be another medication in the same class that would be more effective or combining medications to enhance effectiveness.
Speak up if you have any questions or to discuss possible side effects.
Research Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies can provide additional relief and support alongside traditional medication.
A relaxing massage can soothe tender joints, and occupational therapy can be helpful for aching hands.
I’ve always been afraid of acupuncture. The thought of someone sticking needles in my body is not very appealing. However, since my pain has increased, I would be willing to give it a try.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into the body to stimulate sensory nerves in the skin and muscles. This may help treat chronic pain and other physical conditions. These treatments may require more than one session, so be patient with the process.
Enroll in Physical Therapy
I am usually not a fan of physical therapy, but now that my pain is off the charts, the doctor gave me a referral, and I am waiting to be contacted.
One benefit of physical therapy is that you are in a structured exercise program for several sessions. You’re also given exercises to do at home.
Physical therapy can reduce pain and other symptoms, and improve your mobility. There is an ultrasound treatment that feels so good to the back.
Make Lifestyle Modifications
Doctors mention weight loss as a cure for just about everything. I have noticed that since I have lost some weight, my feet and ankles don’t hurt as much, and my knees are not as swollen.
Eating healthier doesn’t mean sobbing into your soup while everyone else is chowing down on apple pie with ice cream. You can take a smaller portion or try baked apples. It’s all about balance.
I am not big on self-denial. For example, I usually try to be good and have a vinaigrette on my salad. However, my favorite is blue cheese, and now I ask for blue cheese when I order a salad. I will reduce calories in another way.
Everyone is different, so find a way that works for you. The Mediterranean diet is not only healthy but features a lot of dishes that you can mix and match. Make a pot of black beans, and you can stuff tortillas, make soup, or serve beans and rice for more protein.
Don’t Forget to Stretch
I have found a stretch that is helping my pain. It is called the piriformis stretch. According to the National Library of Medicine: “the piriformis is a flat, pear-shaped muscle located in the gluteal region of the hip/proximal thigh.”
It can be done from a chair, or on the floor. I’ve been doing the floor, but I may switch up after seeing how easy the chair is. I try to do them three times a day.
Stretch when you first get up or carve out some time during the day. Your joints will feel a lot better.
Final Thoughts
I am still in a lot of pain, but I feel empowered knowing that I have ways to reduce my pain, and I am working on that. Do some research about the best ways to deal with arthritis pain.
You want to have an active life doing things that you enjoy.
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