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. "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.
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.
About Dr. Keith Reich
Dr. Keith Reich, a graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine,
is a board certified internist and rheumatologist. Dr. Reich joined
OurHealthNetwork in 2005 and serves as a contributing editor. Dr. Reich
completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Medicine of
Dentistry of New Jersey and fellowships in rheumatology at St. Vincent
Hospital and the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Dr Reich is
active in clinical research and lectures nationally teaching other physicians
the art and science of rheumatology. He is a fellow of the American College of
Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Rheumatology.
About OurHealthNetwork
OurHealthNetwork provides reliable information about many common
medical conditions, and is a convenient source for affordable high-quality
healthcare products frequently not available to consumers in drug stores.
Since being founded in 1999 by Dr. Paul Kasdan, OurHealthNetwork has
helped thousands of visitors a day from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30
other countries around the world ease their pain. For more information, visit
ourhealthnetwork.
OurHealthNetwork
ourhealthnetwork
View drug information on Bextra; Vioxx.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий