If the right arthritis treatment options are utilized, dealing with arthritis is not a problem. Although your health care professional is the best judge of your problem, it is important that you are also well aware about the various treatment methods for arthritis which are now available. When a patient is to be treated for arthritis, a few things are taken into consideration, like lifestyle, health, needs of the patient, etc. The aim of this treatment is to manage the pain and improve functioning of the affected part. Now, let us turn our attention to treatment options for arthritis.
Treatment Options for Arthritis
- Exercise
According to a research that was carried out, exercises have proved to be very beneficial to treat arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. It is seen, that exercise helps in reducing pain, increasing flexibility, maintaining weight, improving blood flow to all parts of the body. They act like a mood stabilizer and promotes general fitness too. Exercises can be used to extend the range of movements which is restricted due to arthritis, keep the extremities of the body strong and also reduce weight. There are many different types of exercises, which can become a part of your schedule. Some of them are yoga exercises, water exercises, strength training with exercise band, walking exercise, etc. Talk to your health care professional before you start any of the exercise programs. He will be in a better position to prescribe the right kind of exercises for you. Your doctor may also prescribe some therapeutic exercises.
- Rest
Are you aware that if you do not take adequate rest, your arthritis problem can aggravate? You have to make sure you do not overexert yourself. This will help in reducing the pain caused by overexertion. There are stress management and relaxation techniques, which can prove to be beneficial to you.
- Medication
Medication is one of the options used for treating osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. These medications are prescribed to reduce the pain and inflammation in mild to moderate cases of arthritis. Often, the health care professionals prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to deal with such patients. If the patient has severe case of arthritis, corticosteroids are prescribed. They help in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. In some cases, injections of these steroids may also be given in the joints, the effects of which can be temporary or even long-lasting. If the arthritis is as a result of problem with the immune system, drugs which act on the immune system are given.
- Surgery
It is usually the last treatment resort, in case of arthritis. If the damage caused to the joint is severe and none of the treatments are giving the desired results, the doctor may recommend surgery. There are different surgery options, which can be recommended like, removal of the inflamed lining of the joint, releasing of the trapped nerves, fusing of joints, etc. For treating arthritis of the knee joint, there are many choices which can be utilized. These days, there are a number of patients who do not want to go in for a knee replacement and hence look for knee replacement alternatives.
- Splints and Braces
Splints and braces help in keeping the joints in the appropriate position and in relieving the pain. There are splints for the knee, fingers, wrist, etc. The splints can either be made of plastic or cast material.
- Weight Loss
If you read any manual, which contains information on treatment methods for arthritis, you will find that weight loss is said to be one of the main treatment options. Often, the condition aggravates due to obesity. After talking to your doctor, you will have to decide, which is the apt exercise for your condition, that can help you in weight loss.
Of all the treatment options, I feel exercise is the option which is the cheapest and also the one with least side effects. However, when you exercise, make sure you do not overdo and cause more harm to your condition. Before you try any of the treatment methods, make sure you have spoken to your doctor. After a go ahead from your doctor should you start with the treatment. All the best!
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