Arthritis impacts one of out of every three Americans, and there is no known cure. Fortunately, however, there are a variety of alternatives for arthritis treatment.
Preventative/Protective Measures
Regular exercise, a good diet, and plenty of rest is a good place to start. Effective exercises include flexibility exercises that increase range of motion, exercises to strengthen the joint, and overall fitness exercises. Also, because excess weight puts extra stress on joints, losing weight is a good option as well.
Common Pain Relievers
There are many effective arthritis treatment alternatives available over the counter. Drugs like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are traditionally used for arthritis pain as well as other common ailments. Also, there are many topical anti-inflammatories available at grocery stores and drug stores.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
If over the counter medicines are not enough, then your doctor can prescribe drugs commonly known as NSAIDs. These include some stronger forms of over the counter drugs, and a few other alternatives. These drugs typically reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids
In severe cases, doctors may prescribe injections of coriticosteroids for osteoarthritis treatment. These can provide good results, but need to be used cautiously, as they can weaken surrounding tissue.
Topical Herbal Remedies
Traditional herbal remedies may also be effective. Common rubs typically applied to the skin include capsaicin, a derivative of red peppers, and nettle, a plant extract. These rubs can impact pain perception.
Alternative Treatments
A number of alternatives for osteoarthritis treatment also exist. Acupuncture is popular, and an NIH study has shown that it is at least partially effective. Others also like glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, which are thought to enhance and repair cartilage. Finally, magnets and copper are thought by some to have healing properties.
Surgery
Finally, in extreme cases, surgery may be the preferred form of arthritis treatment. These options may include anything from arthroscopic repair of damaged cartilage to full joint replacement or joint fusion.