The Center for Disease Control estimates 54 million Americans experience limited activity due to Arthritis. That’s 23% of adults in the US who report severe joint pain associated with this condition. Most of us have put a few hard miles on our bodies during the time we’ve been around. So what do those years of wear and tear mean when dealing with arthritic symptoms, and how can we manage them better?
Arthritis is a term used to describe, or blanket, over 200 conditions which affect joint health. There are many different forms of Arthritis, and it does not discriminate based on age or gender. At the heart of the problem lies a list of symptoms which often have gradual onset and may go un-noticed.
Associated symptoms include:
· Pain
· Inflammation
· Decreased range of motion
· Redness of the skin surrounding the joint
Despite advancements in medicine, typical treatment protocols for arthritis haven’t changed much over the years. Most doctors attempt to alleviate symptoms to manage the condition, as there is no cure. Often analgesics like acetaminophen or hydrocodone are used to treat pain. Some practitioners will recommend NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or Ibuprofen to both control pain and decrease inflammation. Additionally, topical creams are prescribed to help block transmission of pain signals. In some cases, surgical options like joint replacement may be considered as well as physical therapy to strengthen muscle surrounding affected joints.
But what if these options don’t work for you?
While there is no cure for arthritis, other management options are available to help you stave off the symptoms associated with this condition. Alternatives include weight loss, exercise, hydro therapy, and laser therapy. With the exception of hydro therapy and laser therapy, weight loss and exercise attempt to relieve additional stress on joints while aiding in range of motion, and strengthening surrounding muscles.
Hydro therapy is a form of physical therapy in which exercise and water are used to decrease inflammation while supporting the body and allowing for increases in range of motion.
Laser therapy is a different form of physical therapy that uses light energy to stimulate your body’s ability to repair itself. When applied to symptomatic joints, laser therapy decreases pain and inflammation, but also helps improve mobility. Because of the laser systems used, patients note no pain associated with the treatment, or negative side effects. Laser therapy is completely non-invasive and safe.
We hope this blog post helps shed light on the different management options available to patients who deal with Arthritic pain and related symptoms. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly blog, or you can follow us on Facebook @Tripodlaser. We look forward to helping you #livepainfree.