Treatment Arthritis Sufferers Can Take to Ease Symptoms
By 2020, roughly 59.6 million people in the United States will have arthritis, a 57 percent increase from the 40 million people suffering from the joint disorder today. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid, gout, and osteoarthritis, and all of these ailments lead to painful swelling and stiffness of the joints.
If you suspect you may have the disorder, contact your physician. Once you have been properly diagnosed with arthritis, your doctor will prescribe a treatment for arthritis that is appropriate for the type of arthritis you suffer from.
The following are a few treatment options that arthritis patients may be given by their physicians:
Protection of the joints - an occupational therapist will help you learn how to protect your joints. You will learn how to do your everyday activities in a way that will cause less strain to the joints that have been weakened by arthritis. Tips include avoiding positions that cause strain to your joints, putting more pressure on your stronger joints, using devices to open jars and pull zippers, and using a cane or walker.
Conventional medicine - typically this consists of anti-inflammatory medications, rest to allow your injured tissues to heal themselves, and exercise that will help you build strength and increase your mobility. This treatment for arthritis is mostly for cases of localized stiffness, pain, and immobility.
Arthritis medications - to help reduce inflammation and pain for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, a doctor may prescribe aspirin or some other anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. Osteoarthritis sufferers may also take acetaminophen. Cases that are more serious may need corticosteroid joint injections to relieve stiffness in the arthritic joints. The longevity of this treatment for arthritis depends on the severity of the ailment.
Surgery for arthritis - for serious cases, surgery may be needed to reduce the discomfort arthritis causes, and to improve a person's mobility. One common surgery for the knee is known as synovectomy. During this procedure, doctors remove damaged connective tissue that lines a joint cavity, which allows the body to regenerate healthy tissue. Sometimes, it may be necessary to undergo a surgical joint replacement to improve joint function.
Other types of treatment arthritis sufferers may consider includes alternative medicines such as acupuncture or supplements. Consult your physician before taking any form of medication or treatment for your arthritis.
By 2020, roughly 59.6 million people in the United States will have 
