Arthritis Pain Management Tips

Although everyone has their own ways of dealing with pain from arthritis, here are four of the most common and effective strategies used today:

Exercise: Exercise is a great way to relieve pain by strengthening your bones and muscles. Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, biking and running are all great ways to increase your mood and keep yourself loose and strong. As little as 15 to 30 minutes a day of light exercise can help relive arthritis pain both in the short and long term. Exercise can also help in the fight to reduce the overall effects of arthritis. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking on any type of exercise regiment no matter how light to ensure that exercise it the right strategy for you.

Rest: Arthritis pain, along with other pains can be a result of not getting enough rest. Warm water strategies such as having a soak in a hot tub or warm bath can help to decrease inflammation and reduce tension in turn reducing pain. During rest joint inflammation will begin to decrease even for short periods of time.

Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can be a great way to sooth your joints and reduce inflammation and tension. However, be sure not to get too much rest and balance some exercise into your life to avoid stiffness.

Medications: Most medications are great for relieving pain in the short term but will not help treat the problem in the long run. Medications are usually quick and easy to take with relief shortly following. Another unfortunate side to medications is the cost, for some the cost outweighs the benefits of the relief however for others the financial costs are much too high. Along with some medications there can be certain side effects so again be sure to consult your doctor before begging any medications.

Surgery: In most cases surgery is the last resort for pain management. However, surgeries can be beneficial for the long term without having to take medication or follow a strict schedule. Rather than covering up the problem or having to fight through the hardships many individuals choose surgery and are then able to get back to normal after the appropriate recovery time. Cost and overall health are big concerns when considering surgery of any kind although the financial cost for some could be more effective in the long term. Consulting your doctor will put your on the right track to getting the proper treatment needed.