Bone Doctoring: Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease in which the joints of the human body deteriorate over time. From the Greek "osteo," for bone, "arthro," for joint and "itis," for inflammation, this disorder causes pain, swelling of the joints, and reduced mobility. Both the cartilage and fluid that lubricate joints diminish causing bones to rub against each other with little to no cushion. The changing joint may begin to grow "bone spurs" to compensate for the deteriorating bone, further increasing joint pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This article will list methods of providing osteoarthritis pain relief.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include chronic pain, swelling of the joints, stiffness, tingling of extremities, skin redness around affected areas, and joints that fill with fluid. Joints feel more painful and swollen throughout the day and humid weather increases pain in many osteoarthritis sufferers. The disease targets the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees but any of the joints can be affected. Diagnosis occurs through x-rays which show damage to bones, joint space, and evidence of bone spur formation. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also show damage to joints. Many arthritis suffers may have negative x-rays but still obtain an arthritis diagnosis due to having all the other symptoms of arthritis.
A Cure for Bad Bones?
There is no known cure for arthritis and in severe cases osteoarthritis can become a debilitating disease. However, there are several methods by which to manage the disease and provide lasting osteoarthritis pain relief. One tool that can result in osteoarthritis pain relief is exercise. Strengthening muscles through exercises like yoga and Pilates help support joints and help arthritis suffers maintain flexibility.
Another tool is heat therapy. Application of a heating pad or patch can help relieve pain. Topical aspirin or analgesic creams can also relieve pain while soothing skin around inflamed joints. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, or Advil are a fourth way to manage arthritis pain. Prescription medications such as Celebrex and herbal remedies such as glucosamine also support joint health.
Traditional methods of finding osteoarthritis pain relief may not work for all arthritis sufferers. Lifestyles changes such as warming up before performing certain activities, resting frequently during the activities, or avoiding certain activities completely may be necessary. Moving to a warmer, drier client is sometimes helpful. Non-traditional treatments such as acupuncture, massage, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and treatment with holistic supplements have been successful for some sufferers in to obtaining ongoing osteoarthritis pain relief.
