Joint Pain Treatment - How to Get Rid of Achy, Painful Joints?

One of the worst aspects of living with arthritis is the pain caused by inflamed joints. No matter which type of arthritis you may have, the pain and reduced mobility can keep you from doing the things you love. Finding an effective joint pain treatment can be difficult, but there are many different options available, from conventional treatments to natural, less mainstream methods. Whichever joint pain treatment you choose, make sure to let your doctor know so that the two of you can decide which option might be right for you.

The first joint pain treatment, medication, is also the most common. There are two types of medication commonly prescribed by doctors. The first, analgesics, includes well-known drugs such as Tylenol, Vicodin, Morphine, and Codeine. This type reduces joint pain by blocking pain receptors, but does not treat the underlying cause of arthritis. The second type often prescribed for joint pain treatment are NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. This group includes Motrin, Advil, and Ibuprofen, among others, and is used to reduce inflammation and treat arthritis symptoms. Both types can have severe side effects when used long-term, so please discuss potential medication with your doctor first.

Natural treatments are gaining popularity. Many people take joint pain supplements such as chondroitin, MSM, and glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine combined is becoming a popular joint pain treatment. Glucosamine seems to play a role in cartilage formation and repair while chondroitin sulfate slows the enzymes that break down cartilage in the joints. Although both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are considered dietary supplements and not arthritis treatments, both have been proven effective when taken as a joint pain treatment in several double-blind studies. However, as these studies were not considered well-designed, many researchers believe the results are inconclusive.

Other options include massage therapy and exercise. Although exercise may not seem to be a desirable joint pain treatment, it can improve your range of motion, strengthen muscles, improve your mood, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Did you know that 37% of arthritis sufferers get no exercise at all? These people fear that exercise, instead of working as a joint pain treatment, will only increase their pain. The opposite is generally true. Tai chi, yoga, and swimming can improve your range of motion and keep your spirits up. Walking can also help you stretch and improve muscle tone. As always, consult your doctor before you decide to start an exercise regimen.