Arthritis Pain Treatment

Arthritis is a serious disease affecting more adults than heart disease, cancer and respiratory health conditions. Approximately 1 out of every 6 Canadians has some form of arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis. While there are similarities among the different kinds, there are also differences. These disparities affect the choice of treatment.

Factors Affecting Arthritis Pain Treatment

There are many different factors affecting the form of arthritis pain treatment. These include

• Origin - It depends upon the type of arthritic pain afflicting the individual. It can be the result of an auto-immune problem or be degenerative
• Joints affected - Arthritis pain can affect all parts of the body. Wherever there is a joint, it is possible to have arthritic pain. The principle joints that fall prey to arthritis are
• Symptoms - These differ according to the type of arthritis inflicting the individual. The most common include swelling, inflammation and pain in various joints
• Type of arthritis – there are different types including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, bursitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter’s arthritis, tendinitis and Still’s disease. Of these, the most common are OA and RA.
• Stage – Early stages will require a different intensity and even type of treatment than later stages of development
• Degree of severity – treatment depends upon the severity of the problem. If it is chronic or acute, it will demand a different intensity or even kind of treatment
  personal preference – some professionals and individuals prefer a certain approach over another
• Sensitivity of the body to certain substances or the prolonged use of said substances – Some people have very sensitive stomachs. This makes them unable to deal with some of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as iubprofen and naproxen. Others tolerate the medication but only for a limited time.

Approaches to Arthritis Pain Treatment

Approaches to treating arthritic pain can vary. They differ in degree of intensity as well as in terms of medical philosophy. While the actual type of arthritis, e.g. osteoarthritis, gout, essentially influences treatment, it is still possible to divide pain treatments according to the approach. This does not negate interaction among the various types. In fact, there can be a mix-and-match philosophy when looking at the different methods employed to help alleviate the pain.

• Pharmaceutical – this is the use of the various medications including NSAIDs and steroids. Medication directed specifically to treat the specific type of arthritis includes disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for RA and prophylaxis with allopurinal for gout.
• Joint replacement – hip and knee replacements are the most common type of arthritic surgery
• Physical – rest and exercise in the right balance are beneficial in treating arthritis pain.
• Diet – this can be helpful in the instances of some types of arthritis, notable gout.
• Heat/Cold – this can be helpful in decreasing the swelling of joints and providing momentary relief from the pain.
• Supplements – There are a number of supplements on the market said to help with arthritic pain. Among the more common ones are glucosamine and chrondroitin.
• Alternative medical approaches – These include such things as acupressure or acupuncture. Both are said to reply relief from the pain. Other possibilities are Reiki
• Alternative healing approaches – Massage, yoga, meditation, NIA and other forms of movement may help in the healing process. They provide increased flexibility in the muscles and joints, reducing the stiffness and decreasing the pain of arthritis.

Conclusion

It is not possible or viable to treat all the forms of arthritis identically. Various factors effect and direct the form of treatment the individual will require. While the actual type of arthritis will have a major impact upon the choice and type of treatment, the decision to elect one form over the other is also affected by the individual‘s preference. While the number of possible pharmaceutical drugs on the market is increasing, so, too, are the alternative means of arthritis pain treatment.