Arthritis Treatment: Medicine and Care
Arthritis treatment is mainly aimed at lowering the inflammation, reducing pain and eliminating swelling. The most common arthritis remedies in this respect are Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen) and aspirin. For most people suffering from arthritis using one of these arthritis remedies may be enough to keep the condition under control.
However, in the most severe cases arthritis medicine has to be stronger. Corticosteroids are the most commonly used arthritis medications for such cases, as they ensure fast treatment of inflammation, swelling and pain. The only problem with corticosteroids is that they may cause serious collateral effects, which should be considered beforehand.
There are many other arthritis remedies to treat arthritis. They include D-penicillamine, sulfasalazine, gold compounds, as well as drugs used to cure malaria. However, they also have some serious collateral effects that should be discussed with the doctor.
Arthritis care also involves certain supportive devices being used. The patients are often recommended to stay in bed for some time until the most acute symptoms go away. Some most common remedies for arthritis include neck collars, neck braces, hip braces, canes and crutches, as well as knee supports. They can help the patient be more independent and experience less pain.
Physical arthritis therapy is another option that the doctor may consider, besides prescribing some arthritis medicine. The patient can be referred to a specialist who will teach him or her how to exercise without inflicting pain to the joints, how to achieve the right balance and become more flexible. Other remedies for arthritis of this kind include hot tubs, moist hot packs and massage.
In certain cases the patient may need a surgery. Here are the most commonly used methods:
• Replacing a joint
• Fusing the spinal bones by inserting a graft
• Surgically removing the damaged bone from its joint
• Providing for the realignment of the joint by removing the bone chip
Alternative Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can be caused by specific kinds of food intolerance. It’s important to find out the kinds of food likely to be causing the allergic reaction and exclude them from the diet. The general recommendation here is to eat a healthy diet that includes a lot of complex carbohydrates and fiber and cut down on refined foods and fats.
Certain food supplements are also used for arthritis care and treatment. The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate has been reported to contribute to the restoration of the cartilage. Other commonly recommended supplements include selenium, zinc, vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as minerals.
In the treatment of arthritis, herbal approach was used by the ancient Chinese, who thought such herbs as turmeric, ginger, feverfew, devil's claw, Chinese thorough wax, licorice, lobelia and cramp bark were beneficial for the health of the patients.
And, finally, the last most common method is naturopathic treatment. It can be water therapy, deep-heat therapy, use of herbs in different supplements or combinations of them.
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