The problem with arthritis is that the pain that comes with it lasts a lifetime. It may come and go, or remain constant, but you cannot get rid of the pain. Performing daily activities like walking, dressing, or looking after the kids, become difficult. While you can’t get rid of it, you can effectively manage the pain. Here’s how to do it:
- Medications:
Medications aren’t the only option, but they certainly help when the pain’s unbearable. Doctors often prescribe patients with rheumatoid arthritis Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) to alleviate pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Alternative Medicines:
Yoga, massage, and acupuncture help to manage pain. While yoga helps to improve muscle flexibility, massage helps increase blood flow to the inflamed area. Acupuncture works by applying pressure on specific points to reduce pain. Old wives tales about rubbing hot peppers on the inflamed area may not be wrong- ointments and creams made of menthol or capsaicin (the chemical compound found in hot peppers) helps against pain.
- Active Lifestyle:
A life with arthritis doesn’t necessarily mean a life confined to the bed. In fact, it is now more important than ever to stay active and lose weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the joints causing inflammation. When you are in pain, exercise is probably the last thing in your mind. But the right kind of exercises can help to increase muscle strength and keep you healthy.
- Dressing Aids:
Of course, medication helps. But there are several products that complement medications and make life easy. Buy a shoe horn to help you put on shoes without bending. A leg rest or foot rest supports the feet and makes it easy for people to wear shoes. And if you’re looking to avoid bending altogether, use A-Leg-Up. Use it as a footstool when putting on shoes and socks or to clip nails; or use it as a long shoe horn!
Practical changes to your home and lifestyle can help you manage arthritis successfully and life a happy life.