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Arthritis pain management

The low-down and dirty on arthritis pain management

The question has been asked, “what is arthritis?” Technically, arthritis refers to inflammation around a joint of the body; joints are generally the spots where two bones meet, such as the knees or hip. However, arthritis has also been reported to affect internal organs and skin in a similar way, indicated by parallel arthritis symptomology. Furthermore, when seeking the answer to the question, what is arthritis, there are nearly one hundred different diagnoses and afflictions that fall under this classification. When joints swell, pain and stiffness ensue. This can lead to difficulty in moving or engaging in physical activities once enjoyed. Many suffer with arthritis symptoms such as those mentioned for years, enduring chronic pain rather than confront the condition head-on. Chronic pain can lead to a bevy of other health-related issues and problems, including deterioration in mood and compromised quality of life.

When discussing conditions and arthritis symptoms, typically there are a few more-common terms and types of arthritis experienced. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful variation marked by the swelling of joints and arthritis in hands, wrists, knees, and other areas which over time exacerbates to afflict the cartilage and bone. The body becomes its own worst enemy in such instances as the immune system begins to cause damage and injury to the joints of its self. Rheumatoid arthritis can also afflict the eyes, skin, and other atypical areas of the body. Gout is characterized by being one of the most painful chronic conditions experienced, occurring when the body is unable to properly manage uric acid in the system. The uric acid begins to crystallize and lodge in the joints of the body, wreaking pain and swelling. The most common areas impacted include the knees, wrists, and oddly enough, the big toes of the feet.

Traditional management for arthritis symptoms has typically surrounded pharmacological interventions, and powerful pain-medications. While this has provided sufferers with some relief, fostering reliance on certain medications can wreak its own challenges. Generally, dependence on pain medication has usurped joy, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment from many individuals’ lives, when they should be out enjoying the many pleasures that daily living offers. Some individuals with an arthritic condition have relied heavily on warm or cold packs to isolate the afflicted region, and taking anti-inflammatory aids such as Naproxen Sodium to help decrease swelling of the joints. There is some evidence that adopting a special diet that restricts foods indicated to bring on swollen joints can be effective at managing episodic pain. A rheumatoid arthritis diet may limit salts or fats that can contribute to water retention or swelling, and may also include foods rich in cosamin DS. Some may choose to augment current rheumatoid arthritis diet regimens with daily doses of this over-the-counter, non-prescription food supplement. Many of those taking cosamin DS supplements report vast improvement in pain and mobility issues, but suggest researching brands to determine which ones are endorsed by federal food and drug groups as being quality and dosage most suited to this intervention approach.

While the furthest thing from mind of the person experiencing chronic pain might be exercise, this is an extremely helpful treatment for arthritic symptoms. The most recommended activities include low-impact sports such as walking and swimming for those with arthritis. Be sure to invest in a decent pair of walking shoes with plenty of shock-resistance to further take pressure off of the body’s joints, including toes, ankles, and knees. Those that are dealing with Rheumatoid arthritis in hands and wrists may find stretching to be effective in relieving discomfort and stiffness experienced, and which are similar to arthritis symptoms manifested in other areas of the body.

There is some good news and exciting options for those struggling with arthritis symptoms that may seem a bit unconventional at first. Recent years have witnessed numerous approaches to chronic pain management that have included some rather-Bohemian alternatives and concepts. Some of the uniquely-suited treatment options include:

– Bio-feedback
There is a new scientific way to focus on affected areas of the body while controlling the nervous system impulses that deliver messages such as pain or constriction. Bio-feedback machines are utilized to analyze triggers to help clients release pain impulses and relax stressed bodies.
– Support groups
Those struggling with the pain and sacrifices of arthritic pain don’t need to suffer alone; there are numerous support groups and online chat-rooms for visitors to engage with others that have similar experiences and symptoms. Input, information, and the support garnered from those with the shared experience of chronic pain conditions may serve to foster strong bonds and life-long friendships. Particularly those newly diagnosed individuals may want to consider area support groups, or if feeling shy, the online networks to gain insight and valuable tips from those that have lived with the condition longer.
– Meditation and progressive relaxation
There is a lot to be gained from clearing the mind and quieting the inner-voices for a while; meditation is the ideal way to do this. There is no specialized equipment or devices needed, simply choose a quiet and serene spot ideally and begin. It takes practice to tune-out all of the distractions of life including those intruding during times of pain or discomfort. Meditation has been lauded as having powerful positive effects on health and wellness, including enhanced mental clarity, emotional serenity, and physical well-being.
– Cannabis
Once touted as being a gateway drug and pathway to destruction in the 1970’s, marijuana, or more politically-correct, cannabis, is being explored for its therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from a variety of illnesses and conditions. As individual states in the US determine the advantages of medicinal cannabis versus the propensity for abuse, the Federal government remains un-waiving in their assertion that ingestion of this natural herbal remedy constitutes violation of the law. Medical marijuana dispensaries continue to open in states changing their once-stringent cannabis laws and federal drug agents continue to trump the state’s choice by raiding and persecuting these establishments. Cannabis is reported to have miraculous relieving qualities for those with chronic pain issues, cancers, lupus, AIDS, and other conditions that could affect appetite and daily function.