Arthritis Treatment

Treatment for arthritis normally takes two forms: physical therapy and medication. Physical therapy usually includes massage and gentle exercise routines designed to keep the joints mobile.

Patients may also benefit from hot or cold packs to ease swelling and pain. Often physical treatment therapy is accompanied by occupational therapy, so that arthritis patients who work in an industry that requires repetitive or strenuous activities can be relieved of the strain that such work can place on their arthritic joints.

Coupled with physical arthritis treatments are a range of medications. Most patients will benefit from taking an anti-inflammatory drug, often coupled with an analgesic, which diminishes the body’s sensitivity to pain.

Over the counter medications may be sufficient for patients with mild arthritis, while more severe suffers should consult a doctor for prescription medicines. Steroids are the oldest type of treatment for arthritis and in some patients are still the most effective. These can be administered straight into the effective joint where they reduce the swelling, or can be taken by mouth.

Recently, complementary naturopathic therapies for arthritis have been found to be effective in some suffers. Glucosamine or chondroitin, sometimes taken in combination, represent another treatment alternative for arthritis, as they are believed to promote cartilage production.

However as these medicines have not undergone the rigorous testing of traditional medications they should be used only under strict supervision of a health care professional.

Please see your doctor if you have any questions at all about any medications that you are using or are considering using for your arthritis treatment. The doctor will be able to give you a rundown of the success that others have had with the drugs, as well as any possible interactions it may have with other medication you may be taking at the time.