Arthritis treatments avoiding dangerous drugs

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Leading Rheumatologist Offers Tips for Natural Relief From Arthritis

Pain

02 May 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Over the past few months, millions of American arthritis sufferers

have been forced to find alternatives to medication for their pain to

avoid potentially deadly side effects. Soon after prescription

medications Vioxx and Bextra were taken off the market for their

potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health risks, the Food

and Drug Administration (FDA) warned of similar risks associated with

popular over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Despite these

developments, arthritis sufferers can achieve pain relief by adapting

simple lifestyle changes into their daily routines.

 

" This is a frustrating time for arthritis patients. After learning

about the potential outcome of taking various pain relieving

medications, many patients are left searching for a safe yet

effective means of relieving their condition, " said Keith Reich,

D.O., a board certified rheumatologist and a contributing editor to

OurHealthNetwork.com. " However, I've seen first-hand that non-

surgical and natural approaches to pain relief can be very

successful. Sufferers should know that medication is not the only

option. "

 

Dr. Reich offers the following six considerations for natural

arthritis pain relief:

 

1. Exercise. Everyone needs to exercise, but not all exercises are

appropriate for those afflicted with arthritis. It is important to

engage in exercises that will strengthen the muscle, but not irritate

the joint. For example, walking is an excellent exercise for

arthritis sufferers. However, if a patient's knees become sore with

walking; bicycling, arm exercises or walking in a pool can also be

beneficial.

 

2. Balance exercises. Tai Chi and water aerobics are types of balance

exercises that can be effective without adding much pressure to

joints. But, take it easy. If joints hurt after exercising, they were

probably overexerted. If the pain persists over the next few days, a

physician should be consulted.

 

3. Weight control. Every ten pounds of weight gained is equal to 30

pounds of pressure on the knees. Thus, losing ten pounds is the same

as removing 30 pounds of pressure on a patient's knees.

 

4. Heat/cold. Using ice packs can reduce acute pain while heat

loosens joints and increases blood flow. Try sitting in a whirlpool

before exercising and icing an irritated spot after exercising to

provide soothing relief.

 

5. Attitude/education. It is important to have a positive attitude

when living with arthritis. In addition, sufferers should educate

themselves as much as possible regarding their condition. Learn about

new developments, read up-to-date materials and ask questions of

health experts or a personal physician.

 

6. Assistive devices. Anything that makes completing a daily task

easier is considered an assistive device. These devices can help to

reduce discomfort and disability. In addition, they can also help

people with arthritis become more functional by reducing their

dependence upon others. For example, the Foot Funnel, a modern day

type of shoe horn, is an assistive device that Dr. Reich recommends

for those patients who have difficulty putting on their shoes. Other

helpful examples include cervical pillows, custom-made foot orthotics

and canes. All of these products, and other assistive device

products, are available on OurHealthNetwork.com.

 

Dr. Reich advises that with any new regimen, patients work with their

personal physician to set up a plan that is suitable for their

abilities and limitations. Additional tips from Dr. Reich on

arthritis relief can be found at OurHealthNetwork.com.