Which pain relief is best for arthritis?
NSAIDs, Corticosteroid injections, skin creams, and acupuncture are common remedies.
Let’s review each one. Read on to find out which one is right for your condition.
Here are some of the benefits of each.
And remember that you can always choose something that doesn’t make you feel worse! Ultimately, your best option may be to try a combination of treatment methods.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are widely prescribed for arthritis pain relief, but not everyone can benefit from them.
Many people experience side effects when they take these drugs, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Fortunately, there are alternatives that may help reduce the frequency and severity of side effects.
Here are three of them. The most important thing to remember is that NSAIDs are not a cure-all for arthritis pain.
If you are considering taking them, discuss them with your doctor and find out which is right for you.
NSAIDs are classified according to how they inhibit COX-1 or COX-2 enzymes.
Many are organic acids with a low pK value, which means they tend to accumulate in inflammation sites and at lower pH levels.
Therefore, they tend to accumulate in synovial fluid, which may be less prone to side effects.
However, repeated use may damage the joints. For this reason, NSAIDs should only be used as a last resort, and only as a last option.
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.
The injection typically takes place in one of the knees and is used for short-term relief
. However, patients should be aware that overuse of the joint within the first six hours after the procedure may exacerbate the condition.
A local anesthetic is typically used with a steroid injection to minimize pain and discomfort.
Because everyone’s body is different, the dosage required may vary. For some people, a high dose of corticosteroid injections is required to achieve the desired results.
The goal of the treatment is to find the lowest dose while still achieving the desired effects.
Corticosteroid dosages can last anywhere from a few days to several years.
These injections should only be used when needed, and only with the advice of your physician.
skin cream
There are many types of skin creams available for arthritis pain relief.
Some work instantly while others build up in the body over weeks or months.
For arthritis pain relief, you may want to consider an NSAID like aspirin.
Salicylates can be toxic if used too much, so you should check with your doctor before using any skin cream containing these compounds.
NSAIDs are also often found in anti-inflammatory drugs. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are effective for occasional and acute pain from osteoarthritis.
However, they may not be effective for severe or inflammatory pain.
For this reason, doctors generally recommend stronger medications.
While skin creams for arthritis pain relief can be used alone, they shouldn’t be taken regularly.
They may have negative side effects and could damage your joints. Ultimately, it’s important to consult a doctor for the best treatment plan.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a natural medicine that may be a beneficial treatment for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
A comprehensive review of 43 studies published between 1974 and 2018 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has determined that acupuncture is beneficial for the clinical conditions of RA, improving quality of life and function.
While it is generally associated with the elderly and women, it can affect anyone of any age.
Acupuncture for arthritis pain relief is an excellent option for people seeking medication-free methods of treatment.
In addition, herbal remedies can help alleviate joint pain associated with arthritis, including avocado, rose hips, turmeric, and fish oil.
Studies have shown that acupuncture has no harmful side effects compared to other types of pain management, but a doctor should consult with a qualified acupuncturist before trying it.
