Arthritis comes in countless forms, but one thing they all have in common is the pain they cause their victims. Joint swelling and stiffness produce crippling physical distress as the joints become deformed. Furthermore, symptoms can erupt or abate with no notice, leaving sufferers in a constant state of anxiety. Treatments differ depending on the specific nature and severity of your condition. However, treatment plans all follow a similar progression.

Killing the Pain

In the fight against arthritis, over-the-counter drugs are your first line of defense. For osteoarthritis, your doctor may suggest Tylenol or generic acetaminophen, while rheumatoid forms require an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen.

Patients whose pain has been stabilized can perform the physical therapy needed to lessen future symptoms. When not exercising, it’s recommended to rest the affected joint while alternately applying heat and ice around the area.

Injections and Infusions

If you still can’t function on standard painkillers, tougher measures of arthritis treatment Orange Park FL must be taken. To rapidly reduce swelling, professionals at a pain clinic can inject special synthetic steroid hormones called “corticosteroids” into the joint space. In tandem with steroids, “hyaluronic acid” may also be infused into your joints. This naturally produced fluid is what lubricates joints and keeps them limber.

For the worst cases, doctors might prescribe a strong opiate to ease the pain. However, the addictive quality of such medications makes them useful only for a limited time.

Surgery: The Final Solution

Where major pain or joint damage exists, a corrective operation could be necessary. While a simple arthroscopy is often sufficient, serious situations demand a full prosthetic joint replacement. Known as an “arthroplasty”, this much riskier and more invasive procedure entails months of recovery time and intensive rehab therapy. Mercifully, arthroscopies and arthroplasties are both common surgeries that can be administered with minimal complications, and either one is better than dealing with advanced arthritis.

Arthritis is a formidable foe, but with proper management, it can be controlled. Don’t let your disorder define how you live. Consult your area arthritis experts right away.