How to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Conventionally
Consider using over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDs), such as: ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or indomethacin, and aspirin which are effective in relieving pain and swelling., Ask your doctor whether he would recommend...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider using over-the-counter
Some people cannot take those types of drugs, however, because they have reactions, a peptic ulcer or kidney disease. -
Step 2: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (called NSAIDs)
"Corticosteroids are never used for more than a few days to avoid side effects." But, when over-the-counter drugs are not effective
-- or when the disease is progressing very rapidly
-- then other kinds of medications include drugs such as:
Gold compounds, D-penicillamine, antimalarial drugs, and sulfasalazine that may be prescribed.
Gold compounds can slow the formation of bone deformities, and are usually injected directly into the joint.
Or, a drug that actually suppresses the immune system might be prescribed and that includes: methotrexate, azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide.
Realize this suppression could lead to being opened to infectious ailments; so one should wash hands and keep them away from the eyes, nose, ears, etc. ,,,, Caution: do not apply heat on already inflamed or badly swollen joints "unless" advised by a doctor. , For everyday pain, heating pads, heat packs and of course hot water bottles are all about equally effective, though some therapists suggest that wet heat (a hot water bottle) is better than dry (an electric blanket).
Plastic hot packs including gel packs can be heated in a microwave oven or in hot water until hot are a versatile approach to pain relief: for muscle pain (sore muscles), to promote blood circulation, to nourishes and detoxifies muscle fibers. , Some infrared ray applications are called diathermy which uses deep heat as the infrared rays can penetrate the joints and seem to radiate from the middle outward.
This heat produces blood vessel dilation, called vasodilation (enlarging), of the blood vessels in the tissues includes deep warmth produced by improved circulation. ,,, Keep your icepack and/or heating pad not too cold or too hot.
Cold and heat packs are available commercially, but you can also use ice in a plastic storage bag — and then switch to use a hot pack. -
Step 3: such as: ibuprofen
-
Step 4: naproxen sodium
-
Step 5: or indomethacin
-
Step 6: and aspirin which are effective in relieving pain and swelling.
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Step 7: Ask your doctor whether he would recommend prescriptions of drugs for arthritis including steroids called corticosteroids such as prednisone: These can be taken orally or injected directly into the joint to quickly stop inflammation.
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Step 8: Check with your doctor: Find out if there are any reasons why you should not use either hot -- or cold -- applications
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Step 9: such as: You should not apply heat to an inflamed joint.
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Step 10: Place a towel or extra padding under the heat or cold source
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Step 11: or wrap either hot or cold-packs
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Step 12: ice-packs in a towel.
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Step 13: Avoid cold applications when they would not be appropriate such as because cold will shrink already diminished blood vessels
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Step 14: for instance if you have one of the following conditions: poor circulation
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Step 15: vasculitis
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Step 16: inflamed blood vessels
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Step 17: Raynaud's phenomenon.
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Step 18: Consider using ordinary heat as a natural muscle relaxant
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Step 19: an especially good remedy for muscles in spasm from joint pains of arthritis; it can also be used to stimulate circulation.
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Step 20: Try a warm shower or bath or soak in a hot-tub or whirlpool bath
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Step 21: if appropriate.
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Step 22: Ask your doctor about penetrating and relaxing applications of electromagnetic radiation using heat lamps: Use a special "infrared" bulb (not ultraviolet
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Step 23: ie: not sun lamps).
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Step 24: Use cold as advised by your doctor
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Step 25: and ask about vapocoolant sprays and mentholated gels that are applied on the skin as applications that produce cold relief.
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Step 26: Use ordinary cold for joint pain caused by a flareup including: soothe excited nerve cells
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Step 27: reduce swelling in an inflamed joint
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Step 28: constrict blood flow.
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Step 29: Consider alternating heat and cold
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Step 30: five minutes or so of each at a time.
Detailed Guide
Some people cannot take those types of drugs, however, because they have reactions, a peptic ulcer or kidney disease.
"Corticosteroids are never used for more than a few days to avoid side effects." But, when over-the-counter drugs are not effective
-- or when the disease is progressing very rapidly
-- then other kinds of medications include drugs such as:
Gold compounds, D-penicillamine, antimalarial drugs, and sulfasalazine that may be prescribed.
Gold compounds can slow the formation of bone deformities, and are usually injected directly into the joint.
Or, a drug that actually suppresses the immune system might be prescribed and that includes: methotrexate, azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide.
Realize this suppression could lead to being opened to infectious ailments; so one should wash hands and keep them away from the eyes, nose, ears, etc. ,,,, Caution: do not apply heat on already inflamed or badly swollen joints "unless" advised by a doctor. , For everyday pain, heating pads, heat packs and of course hot water bottles are all about equally effective, though some therapists suggest that wet heat (a hot water bottle) is better than dry (an electric blanket).
Plastic hot packs including gel packs can be heated in a microwave oven or in hot water until hot are a versatile approach to pain relief: for muscle pain (sore muscles), to promote blood circulation, to nourishes and detoxifies muscle fibers. , Some infrared ray applications are called diathermy which uses deep heat as the infrared rays can penetrate the joints and seem to radiate from the middle outward.
This heat produces blood vessel dilation, called vasodilation (enlarging), of the blood vessels in the tissues includes deep warmth produced by improved circulation. ,,, Keep your icepack and/or heating pad not too cold or too hot.
Cold and heat packs are available commercially, but you can also use ice in a plastic storage bag — and then switch to use a hot pack.
About the Author
Deborah Lee
Creates helpful guides on practical skills to inspire and educate readers.
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