Living with arthritis is something many people don’t wish to experience. If left untreated, it can likely lead to limb deformities, chronic pain, impaired range of motion, stiffness, and swelling. It hampers the way you face your everyday life.
If you’re on the mission to get your arthritis pain under control, there are many ways to manage it. It’s a combination of both natural approaches and medical remedies. Listed below are some of them.
Address the Basics
Pain management for arthritis is not an easy feat. First of all, make sure to learn about the ins and outs of your condition. Study what kind of arthritis you’re experiencing and master what joints are affected. Then, consult your doctor on possible pain management remedies. Describe your current state and your symptoms, so they can create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Control Your Weight
Your weight has a significant impact on the pain you feel from arthritis. The more you weigh, the more pressure your weight-bearing joints will have on them.
Reducing joint stress by maintaining a healthy weight will result in the following:
- Decreased pain
- Mobility improvement
- Lower risk of further joint damage
Apply Hot and Cold Therapy
Both hot and cold therapy relieve inflammation and pain from arthritis. However, keep in mind not to apply these therapies together. Choose whichever suits your specific needs by consulting your doctor. Here’s a guide on what remedy to select.
Cold Therapy
If you’re keen on relieving swelling, inflammation, or joint pain, this should be your go-to procedure. You can use a traditional gel ice pack or even a bag of frozen vegetables. Wrap it in a thin cloth before applying it to the affected joint. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin.
Heat Therapy
If you want to address mobility and stiffness, heat therapy may be more appropriate. You may do this by simply taking a warm bath or shower. You can also use either a heating pad or electric blanket to reduce discomfort and pain in your stiff joint.
Another known heat treatment is the use of capsaicin. It is a component of many topical creams and ointments that comes from chili peppers. It provides warmth that can soothe joint pain. You may consult your provider for further guidance.
Medications and Injections
Some people are more comfortable taking over-the-counter painkillers. However, these may not be enough to address arthritic pain. You may ask your doctor for prescription-strength medication if over-the-counter drugs are not working for you. Some of the medications under this classification include:
- Nabumetone (Relafen)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Prescription-strength naproxen and ibuprofen
Injections
Joint injections are also an effective way to manage arthritis pain. Facet joints may be affected by arthritis, and facet joint injections can help address this issue. This involves the injection of a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid into the affected joint.
PRP and Stem Cell Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a minimally invasive pain management procedure administered with an injection. It utilizes a sample of your blood, which is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The platelets have growth factors that speed up healing and reduce inflammation. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected joint.
This treatment procedure is often performed alongside stem cell therapy, which utilizes the body’s mesenchymal stem cells. These are collected from the patient’s body and are injected, guided by diagnostic imaging, into the painful joint. Stem cell therapy may help slow down the progression of arthritis.
Undergo Physical Therapy
Arthritis treatment is not a walk in the park. The condition can take a significant toll on your body if not managed properly with the supervision of medical professionals. In addition to your doctor, a physical therapist can also help you with pain management for arthritis. Physical therapy increases the joints’ range of motion, improves muscle strength, and increases flexibility. When done correctly, it can also help reduce pain.
The role of the physical therapist is crucial. They will develop an exercise program tailored to your condition and in consideration of your strengths and limitations. They can also assist you in finding the best supportive devices for your treatment. It may be as simple as using shoe inserts, splints, and braces. These devices’ primary aim is to provide support to your affected joints.
Arthritis Pain Management in Naples, FL
There are many treatments and techniques you can use to effectively manage arthritis pain. However, it will be more effective if you have experts by your side while conquering the pain. The providers at Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, can be your partner in this journey.
We ensure that all our patients receive personalized care for their health care needs. We are committed to helping you control your arthritis pain and other symptoms to help you live a more productive and comfortable life. To reach us, you may call (239) 261-2663 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
