Living with Arthritis can be irritating and tiring as the pain and stiffness disrupt your daily life. It’s normal to feel stressed or exhausted about managing your symptoms. According to a 2021 study, the number of people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is just one type of Arthritis, rose by 121% from 1990 to 2020. 

This shows that not only you but a huge number of people are seeking effective Arthritis pain relief methods right now, too. Fortunately, there are numerous resources and therapy choices available to assist you with this issue. 

Managing Arthritis pain requires a holistic approach that combines medications, lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies. This article helps you explore different strategies for Arthritis pain relief so you can find effective ways to cope with discomfort and improve joint function.

Fact
Osteoarthritis, affecting 15% of those over 30 worldwide, is the most common kind of Arthritis.

Medications for Arthritis pain relief

Medication forms a crucial line of defense in managing Arthritis pain. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. For more severe cases of Arthritis, other medications may be prescribed. Here are some commonly used options:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers

Although it doesn’t reduce inflammation, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can ease mild pain and is gentle on the stomach, while NSAIDs such as Naprosyn and Ibuprofen (Brufen 400mg) target both pain and inflammation. 

Studies show that NSAIDs are superior to Acetaminophen in pain reduction for Osteoarthritis, emphasizing their efficacy in managing Arthritis discomfort. However, both options are widely recommended by physicians, offering people varied choices for managing Arthritis pain effectively. Additionally, OTC topical medications are available too, containing salicylates, capsaicin, and lidocaine, which can be purchased without a prescription.

Prescription medications

For more severe pain or specific types of Arthritis, your doctor may prescribe any of the following medications:

  • Stronger NSAIDs: Painkillers with a higher dosage, for example, Naprosyn 500, for more potent pain relief
  • Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs for managing severe inflammation. You can take them orally or inject them directly into the affected joint for rapid relief. Due to potential side effects, their use is typically short-term
  • Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Specifically used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, DMARDs slow the disease’s progression by regulating the immune system and preventing joint damage
  • Biologics: A subset of DMARDs, biologic response modifiers target the immune system’s specific parts, which are involved in inflammation
  • Topical medications: Prescription topicals like NSAIDs and lidocaine patches are prescribed for patients who do not achieve adequate pain relief with over-the-counter medications or have specific medical conditions like stomach ulcers or sensitivities to oral medications

Other treatments and therapies

If medications fail to work in severe cases, there are other treatment options like innovative therapies and surgery that can be considered for Arthritis pain relief.

Innovative treatments and therapies

These are the new treatments and therapies which now offer hope to those with Arthritis:

  • Stem cell therapy: While still experimental, stem cell therapy aims to regenerate damaged cartilage in joints affected by Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP injections use components of the patient’s blood to promote healing in damaged joints
  • Gene therapy: This new-age therapy, which is still in its early stages, has the potential to treat

Surgical options

For severe cases of Arthritis where other treatments have failed, surgery might be considered. These include:

  • Joint replacement: Artificial joints are put in place of damaged ones, most often in the hips and knees
  • Synovectomy: Removing the swollen joint lining; frequently performed on individuals with RA
  • Osteotomy: This procedure includes cutting and realigning the bone to take pressure off the joint. It is commonly performed on knees and hips affected by OA

Lifestyle modifications

Healthy nutritious diet
Healthy nutritious diet

Beyond medication, incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can significantly improve pain management. Here are some key strategies:

  • Diet: Eating a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds) can reduce inflammation. Furthermore helpful are omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in fish and flaxseeds
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight stresses joints, particularly knees and hips. Even losing a few pounds can help a lot with pain
  • Exercise regularly:Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or yoga strengthen muscles around joints, improving stability and reducing pain. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week
  • Apply heat or cold therapy: Heat relaxes stiff joints, while cold reduces inflammation. Apply a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time or use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes several times a day
  • Prioritize good posture: Proper posture aligns your joints, minimizing stress and pain. Practice good sitting, standing, and sleeping positions, and consider using ergonomic furniture
  • Stress management: Stress can aggravate pain; methods like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help
  • Embrace assistive devices: Canes, walkers, or braces can take pressure off painful joints, allowing for better mobility and reducing pain during daily activities

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies, used alongside conventional medicine, can offer additional pain relief. Here are some options to consider:

  • Acupuncture: Thin needles are put into certain points on the body as part of this traditional Chinese medicine technique. Studies suggest it may provide pain relief for some people with Arthritis 
  • Massage therapy: Massage can ease muscle tension and improve circulation around joints, reducing pain and stiffness
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These dietary supplements are thought to support joint health, although research on their effectiveness is mixed. Discuss with your doctor if they might be a good fit for you
Warning:
Do not ignore a fever if you have Arthritis. Fever, especially a temperature above 100.4 F (38 C), can signal an infection in individuals with Arthritis and requires immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

For immediate Arthritis pain relief, OTC pain relievers can be effective, while prescription medications, including stronger NSAIDs like Naprosyn, corticosteroids, etc., offer solutions for more severe cases or specific types of Arthritis. 

Naprosyn 500 stands out as a particularly effective medication for managing pain and inflammation associated with Arthritis. Additionally, for those who may not find sufficient relief from medication, exploring innovative therapies and surgical options could provide the necessary respite from Arthritis pain.

Your doctor might also consider innovative therapies or surgery for persistent pain. Lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies may add to the benefits in combination with proper suggested treatment. 

Remember to talk to your doctor for a personalized plan for Arthritis pain relief based on your needs. It is suggested not to start any treatment unsupervised.

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