When you have been struggling with stiffness and pain in your joints for quite some time, it can be a great relief when you finally get validation about what you have been going through via a diagnosis of arthritis. However, getting your diagnosis is just the first step. Getting treatment is the most important part of the process. There are numerous treatment options available when you are struggling with arthritis pain and stiffness. Learn some of the different treatment options available to you for your arthritis issues. Then, you can be sure you and your care team are working together to build the best possible treatment program for your arthritis.
Pain Medications
Pain medications are an option when you struggle with arthritis. As you likely know, pain can be a serious problem when you have arthritis, and it can be debilitating. Because of this, pain medications are often offered to those who have the condition.
These pain medications can be over-the-counter or prescription, and there might be oral or topical treatment options. Topical ointments and creams can help pain in specific joints. If pain is more widespread, oral medications may be the better option.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Arthritis is primarily an inflammatory condition, and because of this the main way to treat the condition is through anti-inflammatory medications. For mild or early-stage arthritis, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be the best option. These include options like ibuprofen and aspirin.
For more serious cases, prescription oral anti-inflammatory medications might be an option. Corticosteroid injections are also an option to help with severe joint inflammation.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is another fantastic treatment option when you struggle with arthritis. When you have such a condition, you cannot afford to give in to the stiffness and the pain in your joints. This can only help the condition to progress, making things worse for you.
Physiotherapy treatment helps you to fight the progression of your arthritis. It involves various exercises, like stretching and strength-building, that will help to support your joints and make them as supple and flexible as possible.
Sessions with a physiotherapist can also include some soothing treatments including massage therapy, hydrotherapy, and heat treatments to help treat pain and inflammation in the joints. Physiotherapists will also teach you exercises and other therapeutic techniques to utilize at home to further manage and improve your condition.
Knowing these treatment options for you and your arthritis, you can feel better prepared to discuss your options with your care team.
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