Arthritis is caused by an injury that has been inflicted upon a joint in some way. The injured joint tissue releases certain chemicals that inform the surrounding sensory nerves of the injury. Those sensory nerves send a signal to the brain alerting it of the distress the joint tissue is in and that’s when the condition known as arthritis sets up shop within the joint. The pain may not start immediately, but the condition is present within the joint. Over time, the condition will worsen and manifest in some degree of pain with possible swelling and skin inflammation.
While there is no cure for the condition, there are several treatment options available to those who suffer with arthritis. The treatment method to alleviate pain will varying, depending on the pain class and type of arthritis.
Pain Class
Arthritis pain is divided into two classes: acute and chronic.
Acute pain from this condition is sudden and sharp. Moving the wrong way, placing stress on the afflicted joint or falling can cause an onset of acute pain. The joint may throb, swell, burn, sting and the area may become red and swollen. Acute pain may last for a few minutes or a few weeks, with the longer stay typically referred to as an arthritis flare-up. Gout is one such type of arthritis that is classified as acute. The flare-ups are usually precipitated by a minor injury to the affected joint or eating certain foods, and will subside in time with proper treatment.
Chronic pain is always with you in the form of a dull ache and or burning sensation. Chronic pain sometimes starts out as acute and just never completely goes away. In some cases that chronic pain may become self-perpetuating, as with fibromyalgia, because satisfactory treatment can’t be found.
Pain Causes Fatigue
Dealing with acute or chronic pain is an energy drainer, making constant fatigue a by-product of arthritis. Unfortunately, fatigue makes the pain increase and makes it more difficult to manage. Those who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis typically experience chronic fatigue as well.
Treating the Condition
Arthritis cures have yet to be found, so treatments consist of various methods of alleviating pain and helping to prevent flare-ups. It will take time for you and your doctor to develop a comprehensive pain management plan that works best for you.
A combination of diet, exercise, topical treatment and medication are often the prescription to pain management, enjoying full range of motion and limiting the number of painful flare-ups that occur.
Water Therapy
Sometimes, immersing painful joints in warm water, whether it’s in a home bath tub or heated pool, loosens joints and reduces pain. The pain relief may also continue after leaving the warm water.
Stretching and other forms of exercise done in warm water is also made easier since the water reduces the gravitational pull on the body and also relaxes the muscles. Walking is always recommended and that form of exercise can easily be done while waist-deep in a pool.
Water therapy also includes frozen water. Ice bags work to ease inflammation and reduce swelling.
Topical Creams
Several over-the-counter topical analgesic creams are available to reduce pain and loosen stiff joints. Some pain-relieving topical treatments contain lidocaine, which eases pain by numbing painful tissue. Topical treatments with capsaicin, a natural derivative from hot peppers, helps ease pain by warming the tissue and increasing blood flow to the area.
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter oral pain medications are also useful treatments when managing the pain of arthritic joints. Acetaminophen, NSAIDS, ibuprofen and aspirin are the more popular pain-relieving medications. Each one presents benefits and side effects. Talk with your doctor regarding which type of over-the-counter oral medication is safest for you.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral pain reliever and/or maintenance medication as part of a total treatment plan. Be aware of potential drug interactions and side effects before taking an over-the-counter medication or prescription drug. Consult with your Michigan pain physician to see which options are right for you.
Diet Plan
Certain foods help to prevent inflammation and thus preventing joint pain. Fish, olive oil, cherries, broccoli, oranges, legumes and green tea are some of the foods that should be included in an arthritis treatment plan.
Just as there are foods that help prevent inflammation, there are foods that trigger inflammation. If you suffer with arthritis, avoid sugar, shrimp, breads and pasta (except whole wheat varieties).
Alternative Treatments
A variety of alternative treatments for arthritis are also available Holistic methods that include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, bio-feedback, aromatherapy and herbal supplements bring varying degrees of pain relief and offer a different degrees of help to each individual patient.