Methods of Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief
Arthritis, to the layman, is considered a disease associated with aging bones and joints. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis and specifically juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affect millions of people- and most are diagnosed under the age of 50. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, is the result of a confused immune system that destroys healthy cells causing permanent tissue damage and cartilage depletion.
Rheumatoid arthritis may also damage other healthy organs of the body. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 50,000 American children between the ages of six months and 16 years. It is usually temporary but causes permanent joint damage. This article will discuss some of the methods of juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis pain relief.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief Methods
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) may begin with a fever, rash, or broken bone. It is diagnosed by blood work, bone scan, bone marrow sampling, or a test for the rheumatoid factor. Methods of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis pain relief include: medication, physical therapy, exercise, injection of steroids into joints, and lifestyle changes. The goal of treating arthritis in children is to prevent long-term destruction of joints.
It is also important to keep children active and happy. Arthritis can cause significant pain so many children may want to remain sedentary, but this is not a good option. Children must remain active to keep muscles strong. Arthritis pain can also cause depression. It is important that children's emotional needs be treated as well as their physical needs. These are a few of the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis pain relief methods.
Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief Methods
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may begin as swollen fingers, pain in the hips or knees, or difficulty holding a hair brush. It, like JRA, can be diagnosed by blood work, bone scan, MRI, x-ray, or a test for the rheumatoid factor. Even if the RA factor is not present, a patient can still obtain the RA diagnosis depending on his/her presenting symptoms. Methods of rheumatoid arthritis pain relief include medication, exercise/physical therapy, steroid injection, and lifestyle changes just as with JRA.
Oral medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium can be used to treat pain and swelling. Topical medication like aspirin creams and capsaicin creams can be useful analgesics.
Losing weight can reduce arthritis pain. Maintaining and even increasing overall strength can also keep joint supported. Physical therapy can strengthen the body, make joints more flexible, and ease pain by application of cold and hot packs. Injection of corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and swelling in joints. Moving to a dry climate, limiting certain types of physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet are all excellent methods of rheumatoid arthritis pain relief.
