Ways to Manage Chronic Arthritis Pain

Ways to Manage Chronic Arthritis Pain
May 21, 2021

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five American adults was diagnosed with arthritis (CDC). Arthritis in the United States is the biggest reason for incapacity. It can cause a lot of things if left untreated:

  • Chronic suffering

  • Rigidity

  • Swelling

  • Deformation of the limb

  • Range of movement impaired

These symptoms can interrupt daily life seriously. It may be difficult to learn how to live with arthritis. However, symptoms can usually be managed, and the quality of your life improves when you consult with expert arthritis doctors.

Arthritis treatments are subject to the following:

  • Arthritis type

  • Individual health requirements.

  • Pain severe

  • Other body organ symptoms (extra-articular symptoms)

Arthritis pain cold/heat treatment

  • Inflamed articulations may be helped by applying cold and heat to the artery. Research has been inconsistent on the effectiveness of cold and heat therapies.

  • Ice helps blood vessels to be restricted. This reduces tissue fluid and reduces pain and swelling. In a towel, wrap ice and apply for up to 20 minutes to a dressing area. Several times a day, you can put ice on your joints.

  • The same way can be used for thermal treatment. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle and apply it to the swell. The blood vessels are opened by heat, and the flow is increased. This includes essential nutrients and proteins to repair the affected tissue.

  • Combination therapy for heat and ice can be used. Discuss with your doctor what could be the best thing for your needs.

Over-the-counter Medicines For Arthritis Pain

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can help reduce arthritis-related pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common types of OTC pain relievers (NSAIDs). NSAID types comprise:

  • Aspirin

  • naproxen (advil, motrin, nuprin) (Aleve, Naprosyn)

Only pain-relieving acetaminophen can be used. NSAIDs alleviate pain and can also lower swelling of certain arthritis types. You can also visit a pain clinic for arthritis treatment.

Injection on Triggered Area

Injections can be used in muscle areas with “trigger points” to relieve pain. These are places where muscles bind and do not relax. Injections from triggers in arms, legs, or back may be used to treat muscle pain.

Injections at trigger points contain anesthesia and also a steroid sometimes. Often for a few weeks or months, they provide relief. However, some research source suggests that these injections may be less effective than just attaching a needle to the trigger.

Therapies for Relieving Pain

Physical therapy can contribute to muscle strength, joint motion, and pain reduction. You can also develop a practice system that fits your needs with a physical therapist.

You can also find support devices for your physical therapist, like splints, straps, or inserts for shoes. These instruments can support flammable joints. They can also loosen weakened joints and bones and reduce overall pain.

Are you searching for a reliable pain clinic for arthritis treatment? Ask our experts at Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management for arthritis doctors in OKC.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.

Darryl D. Robinson, MD

Medical Director

About Author

Dr. Darryl Robinson, a Richmond, Virginia native, earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1995. Commissioned into the U.S. Army the same year, Dr. Robinson completed his internship at Walter Reed and served as a General Medical Officer at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He left active duty in 1998 and remained in the reserves through 2004. After completing his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a fellowship in Pain Medicine, Dr. Robinson joined Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopedics in 2002. He has since been recognized for delivering comprehensive, cutting-edge care for pain conditions. In 2012, he was named one of the region's top physicians by Castle Connolly. Frustrated by the limitations of conventional pain treatments, he expanded his approach to include wellness-based therapies focused on nutrition, hormone optimization, and regenerative medicine. He later became a Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Also in 2012, Dr. Robinson was honored as one of the first "Pink Tie Guys" by the Susan G. Komen foundation in Oklahoma, recognizing his advocacy for women's health.
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