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Q&A: Remedies for Arthritis Pain
While there’s still no cure for arthritis, doctors recommend these steps to
help sufferers manage the pain.
Question: What type of exercises help?
Answer: As a physical medicine and rehabilitation
physician, I recommend range-ofmotion,
strengthening, and aerobic exercises
for arthritis sufferers. These tips can help
make your workout safe and effective:
- Work out when your pain is less severe and your joints more flexible.
- Take frequent breaks, and change position regularly. Be sure to stretch muscles before and after working them.
- Ask your doctor to adjust your exercise program if you show any of the signs of too much exercise. These include increased weakness or joint swelling, unusual fatigue, decreased range of motion, or pain that lasts longer than an hour after exercising.
Another benefit of exercise for arthritis
sufferers is that it helps keep weight in
check. Being overweight can put extra stress
on joints. Shedding excess pounds cuts
down the wear and tear on joint tissues, and
it can also help relieve pain and stiffness.
—Raymond E. Esquieres, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Ocean Medical Center
Question: Should I take medication?
Answer: Doctors often recommend
several nonprescription pain relievers for
arthritis. These include acetaminophen,
aspirin, and ibuprofen.
Glucosamine and chondroitin also can
be bought without a prescription. Some
studies have shown that both these supplements may help ease the pain of
osteoarthritis in knees and hips. But experts
stress that more research is needed.
Before making a medication plan, ask
your doctor what’s best for you, so you can
make an informed decision about your own
care. And always tell your doctor about
what nonprescription medicines or supplements
you are taking.
—Robert L. Gabel, M.D.
Rheumatology, Riverview Medical Center
Question: What else can I do?
Answer: Consider these tips:
- Canes, crutches, and walkers can make walking less of a strain on your knees and hips.
- Many items on the market can make daily activities easier on sore joints, such as Velcro fasteners or zipper pulls on clothing or a mobile shower head.
- Using larger and stronger joints can provide relief for smaller joints. For example, try carrying grocery bags with your forearms or palms instead of your fingers.
- Soaking and exercising in a pool or whirlpool can cut pain and stiffness.
- Relaxation therapy eases muscle tension.
- Massage therapy can increase joint motion and muscle and tendon flexibility.
Your treatment plan should be tailored to
fit your own particular symptoms. Ask your
doctor which measures may help you.
—Arthur K. Mark, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery
Jersey Shore University Medical Center and
Ocean Medical Center
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