Some pain relief options for osteoarthritis in the knees.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffers from osteoarthritis in the knees then you know how painful it can be. Fortunately, your suffering doesn’t have to be a constant reminder of how hard it can to simply walk across the room.

For osteoarthritis, most health care professionals recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol). With that said, there are many over-the-counter pain relievers available. Choose a brand that you can afford and one that provides you with relief. For instance, if Naproxen (Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) works well for you, use it.

*Just, remember these types of medications are only meant for short-term relief, not long-term use. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and read the warning information before usage.

Topical arthritis creams are also a good option for temporary relief. You simply apply the cream directly to the hurtful joints and it begins to work on contact. At first, you may notice a slight tingle or sting, but then comes the relief. This relief usually lasts as long as over-the-counter pain relievers.

As we have discussed before, when examining the active ingredients in over-the-counter arthritis creams, you are likely to find capsaicin. This ingredient is also found in cayenne pepper. Many not only recommend a capsaicin cream, but adding the pepper spice to foods for flavor and additional health benefits.

Most physicians will only write prescriptions for severe pain. This pain cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications. Opioids like Tramadol and Oxycodone are two of the most common prescribed pain relievers, but keep in mind that they do come with a higher list of side effects as well as a risk of addiction or problems from improper use.

*Always, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice when taking these types of medications. If you experience any side effect, contact them immediately.

– Heat

For most, heat provides pain relief. Draw a warm bath, use a warm washcloth, or purchase a heating pad. As always, caution is advised to prevent burns. Although most individuals benefit from heat, some do better with cold. Some medical professionals, according to Arthritis Today, recommended alternating between the two.

To reduce joint pain, strong muscle strength is needed. With strong muscles, you are able to rely on them and use them more. This puts less pressure on achy knees. In fact, strong muscles give the joints extra protection and cushion. Therefore, exercise is advised. If it is painful to exercise, start out slow with low-impact exercises. For some, stretching and light walking is enough. If still too painful, consider low-impact water exercises.

Some osteoarthritis patients may find it too painful to exercise. Your goal is to avoid and prevent pain, so why do something that causes it? Exercise has long-term health benefits. Not only does it promote an overall healthy body, but also it provides the joints protection through increased muscle strength. You can exercise at home, but physical therapy is good. In some cases, this gives you easy access to water exercises. You can also learn safe low-impact exercises to do at home.

Not all patients suffering from osteoarthritis are overweight, but those who are increase the risk of pain. The more weight you carry around, the more pressure there is applied to the knees. If you can lose weight without compromising your health, do so. The best way to lose weight is to combine exercise with healthy eating.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees are more likely to experience walking troubles. It can be painful to walk from one room to another, let alone leave the house. A knee brace can provide support and stability. A proper fitting knee brace not only makes it easier to walk, but less painful too! Knee braces are available for sale at most health and drugstores, but talk to your physician first.

Many arthritis patients believe they reach the point of no return. This is when the pain is so unbearable it seem as if nothing will work. Those individuals are more likely to suffer in silence than seek treatment. If you are one of those individuals or if you just need a push to lose weight or exercise, a strong support system is vital. For many, talking about their pain helps to ease it. Ensure you have someone at home to discuss your arthritis with or find local support groups.

Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about how to determine whether surgery is an option for relieving arthritis pain.