How to stop an arthritis flare-up?
Applying heat or cold – Heat helps relax stiff joints; cold reduces swelling. Taking prescribed medications – Anti-inflammatories or DMARDs can help reduce inflammation and protect joint health. Staying hydrated and nourished – Some people find that flare-ups are worse when they are dehydrated or undernourished. Use Hot and Cold Therapy A cold compress or ice pack can calm inflammation and reduce swelling and pain. Some people find arthritis pain relief by alternating between hot and cold therapy. For example, you can use heat therapy before an activity to warm up your joints and muscles.For severe pain, topical NSAIDs likely won’t match the effects of oral meds, but those who have mild to moderate arthritis may find relief. They come in OTC and prescription gels and creams. A Cochrane review found that diclofenac or Voltaren, ibuprofen and ketoprofen gels are the most effective.Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams and gels can be used as needed or every day. They work best when combined with exercises prescribed by a healthcare professional. For knee osteoarthritis, weight loss also is important for anyone who’s overweight.Pain medicines that you can buy without a prescription can help ease occasional pain triggered by activity your muscles and joints aren’t used to, such as gardening after a winter indoors. These medicines include acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
What essential oils can I use for arthritis?
Arthritis typically is associated with pain that affects the ability to move a joint. It causes swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which can impact daily activities and work. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although you can’t “cure” arthritis or reverse any damage it’s already caused, you can often manage its symptoms and may be able to improve the function of your joints. You may also be able to delay or prevent further progression of the disease. The right kind of treatment and making some lifestyle changes can help.However, there’s also rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is an autoimmune disease, gout, and many other types that can cause joint damage and inflammation — and affect your daily life. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for arthritis. In fact, without treatment, it will likely worsen over time rather than improve.Your immune system can cause arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis) when it damages your joints by mistake. Certain viral infections (including COVID-19) can trigger viral arthritis. Sometimes, arthritis happens with no cause or trigger. Providers call this idiopathic arthritis.The two lifestyle factors that slow the progression of arthritis are interconnected: physical fitness and weight loss. I routinely encourage my patients to engage in regular low-impact exercises to help maintain flexibility while strengthening the muscles around the affected joint.