What your joints need

Arthritis pain relief can be short term or long term. For short term relief, you may be instructed to take acetaminophen if you have little or no inflammation at all. Aspirin and an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen may also be prescribed if you have inflammation. Heat therapy involves the use of a warm bath or a heating pad to reduce the pain. Cold therapy on the other hand involves the use of an ice pack wrapped in a towel and this normally helps to reduce the swelling.

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend the use of a splint or a brace to rest the joint and protect it from further injury. Short term arthritis pain relief may also involve the use of massage therapy. Your doctor may recommend that you see a massage therapist to work out a plan. Massage usually helps to increase the blood flow as well as reduce pain in the affected area.

Long term relief may involve the administering of corticosteroids which may be taken orally or by injections. Excess weight places stress and strain to certain joints and therefore weight loss may be recommended as a remedy.

Exercise is also crucial and your doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist to work out an exercise program. The program will involve low impact and flexibility exercises that will help to reduce joint pains and stiffness. Long term arthritis pain relief may also involve the use of surgery depending on the type that you have. If the joints are severely damaged, you may require joint replacement surgery.