Pain Management Solutions to Try Before Considering Surgery for Arthritis

A large part of the population suffers from various forms of arthritis. Though each type has its own effects on the body, pain is a symptom that is commonly shared among those who suffer from arthritis. This pain can range from mild to severe, and for some individuals, it could even hinder their mobility. As there isn’t a cure for the disease, finding ways to cope with the symptoms becomes the alternative.

massage

Sometimes Surgery is the Only Way

There are several methods for relieving arthritis pain that you can try. Yet, if your condition reaches a point that it has disrupted the quality of your life, you may need to consider more invasive options. For instance, if you have arthritis in your hip, signs that you could need arthritis hip replacement surgery might include pain the keeps you from moving your hip, stiffness in your hip that makes leg movement difficult, or the inability to find relief through alternative measures.

Surgery may very well be the only way to resolve your suffering, however, your doctor may suggest some of the following methods for trying to get relief:

Weight Management

When you suffer from arthritis, too much weight on an impacted area can produce more pain. You can remedy this by getting your weight under control. Losing weight requires a combination of eating well-balanced meals and working out regularly.

Move Around

It may seem counteractive to start moving around when you’re in pain, but that’s exactly what doctors recommend. Sitting or laying down for long periods of time on a regular basis can actually reduce your range of motion and make pain worse. You need to get up and move around on a regular basis. You can take a walk, go up and down the stairs, or join a gym. You might also consider looking into water activities like swimming which can help to soothe your arthritis pain.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Cold and warm compresses can be instrumental in helping to keep that pain away. Both help to improve blood circulation while reducing inflammation which is a known factor of pain. Try alternating between hot and cold compresses when you’re in pain. Apply the compress to the part of the body that hurts the most leaving it there for a few minutes. If you’re on the go, you can also purchase over the counter hot and cold compresses which easily stick to wherever you’re hurting so you can get relief without having to slow down.

Pain Medication

Most who suffer from arthritis pain are told to use pain medication as a form of relief. When used as directed or prescribed, the medication can provide relief for several hours at a time. There are over the counter options are known as NSAIDs which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds are designed to help relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the body. These can be purchased over the counter, or special ordered by your doctor if you need a higher dosage. You should be forewarned of taking prescription pain meds about the ease of becoming addicted to them. Use only as instructed and get help immediately if you feel you’ve become addicted.

Bee Venom

Here’s one you may not have heard (and your doctor may not advise), using bee venom to treat arthritis. Bee venom is comprised of an ingredient known as melittin. This substance is said to be more powerful than cortisone. It also has other anti-inflammatory ingredients which can help to relieve pain. This solution has been tested, but not fully proven to work. Participants in studies were said to feel relief after 12 shots. So, perhaps it could be worth a shot.

Massage

Who knew that a massage could be more than just a luxury for pampering? There are several massage techniques that can help to relieve pain. When the massage therapist focuses on the points of pain, they can reduce pressure and relieve stiffness often felt from arthritis. This can help to improve range of motion. Not to mention, massages feel good which send signals to the brain’s pleasure center for an improved mood.

Living with arthritis pain isn’t easy. There are good days and bad ones. Until there is a cure for the disease, patients must learn how to manage the pain. Maintaining a healthy weight, massages, hot and cold therapy, as well as pain medication can all be used to help with the problem. If, however, the condition reaches a point that you never find relief or can’t move around, intervening with surgery is your best solution for improving the quality of your life.