Arthritis is an umbrella term used to define pain and stiffness that affect joints, connective tissues and surrounding tissues caused by joint inflammation. It is one of the leading causes of pain and disability in adults aged 65 years and above. Arthritis can affect a patient’s life by restricting their movement and causing pain and discomfort. The following tips can come in handy with pain management caused by arthritis. What Causes Arthritis? There are more than 100 forms of arthritis; therefore, every form will lead to different types of body pain and have a unique cause. Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of reasons. Some of the possible causes include: Injury causing degenerative arthritis Infections like Lyme disease Hereditary Abnormal metabolism Immune system dysfunction Arthritis is not curable and can only be managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Let’s talk about how you can manage arthritis. Medication The discomfort from arthritis cannot be ignored for long, so you will need to take some medicine for it. Based on the form of arthritis, you may be prescribed the following medications. Always be careful about sticking to the recommended dosage and don’t take medications without consulting a medical professional. 1. Analgesics Analgesics reduce pain in the joint and provide temporary relief from pain. Analgesics do not reduce inflammation. 2. Non-Steroidal Drugs Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Corticosteroids Non-steroidal drugs like Combiflam Icy Hot relax the stiff muscles and help arthritis patients manage pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation to assist in the management of arthritis. 3. Counter Irritants Counter irritants are ointments that contain methanol. They modulate the pain signals when applied in painful joints and lessen the pain for some time. 4. Biologics and Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) Biologics and DMARDs are used together. DMARDs keep the immune system from attacking the joints and biologics target protein molecules that are responsible for certain immune responses. Both of these medications are available on prescription and go a long way in arthritis management. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes Some types of arthritis are linked to diet. Controlling food consumption, along with an active lifestyle, can help people with arthritis lead a pain-free life. 1. Diet Switching to a healthy diet can definitely help in arthritis management. Here is a list of foods that are good for the joints. Beans Whole grains Fruits Nuts and seeds Fish Olive oil Some food items are extremely bad for arthritis and should be avoided in the diet. Processed foods Red meat Refined carbohydrates Sugar Alcohol High-fat dairy products like cheese Omega-6 fatty acids Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, bell pepper, eggplants, etc. 2. Lifestyle Changes Staying physically active and regular exercise can keep the joints from getting stiff. A doctor is the best person to design an appropriate workout regime based on the type of arthritis. However, it is advisable to not go overboard with exercise and balance your activities with rest. People with arthritis can manage their life by avoiding smoking and alcohol. Conclusion Arthritis is a permanent condition that can cause different types of body pain ranging from moderate to severe. Fortunately, it can be managed with the help of lifestyle changes, self-care, and a Combiflam spray. Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare professional to stay on top of arthritis pain.
