How do I Manage Arthritic Joint Pain?

Arthritic joint pain can be managed by a variety of means, including natural and medicinal remedies. Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, can also help. Pain prevention methods, including avoiding coldness and regularly exercising, are also effective in managing arthritic joint pain.

Numerous natural remedies have been developed in order to treat arthritic joint pain. Supplements and herbs, such as glucosamine and ginger, are sometimes prescribed by herbal practitioners in order to help patients treat pain. Hot baths or wraps around the affected area can help reduce or eliminate pain. Massaging aching joints with solutions such as warm vinegar or olive oil may also provide pain relief.

Some people report having their pain diminished or relieved through the addition of vitamins and minerals in their diet. Vitamin C is sometimes recommended for treating arthritic joint pain. Calcium and zinc are also thought to help with joint pain. Several different aromatherapy or essential oils are also purported to have arthritis-relieving qualities. Some of these include sage, juniper, and rosemary. Garlic, often considered an all-healing herb, may also be helpful in treating discomfort caused by arthritis.

When it comes to using prescription-strength drugs to manage arthritic joint pain, the most commonly used treatments are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs usually require a doctor's order to obtain them in the dosages most effective for this type of pain. These medicines can be very effective; they can also, however, be very dangerous if improperly used or taken by people with high risk health conditions. Some NSAIDs have been known to cause heart attacks or stroke.

Many people simply take over the counter pain medication to manage their arthritic joint pain. This can be helpful when pain is too difficult to manage by natural means, yet not strong enough to warrant prescription drugs. While these medications usually cause less side effects than prescription-strength remedies, they can cause damage to the body if taken often over time.

People who suffer from arthritis sometimes turn to alternative medicine to help manage their pain. Both acupuncture and massage therapy have provided patients with pain relief. Some people turn to chiropractors to help prevent or manage pain. Physicians may also recommend exercise or physical therapy for patients with arthritis, depending on their symptoms and the specific cause of their discomfort.

If arthritis sufferers can determine their individual triggers, they can often prevent pain from occurring. Coldness is often a culprit. Many patients, especially elderly ones, experience pain when they overdo activities to the point of exhaustion. Knowing one's personal physical limits can be helpful in preventing pain. Being overweight and not obtaining enough sleep can also cause or exacerbate pain.