If you are one of the millions of people with arthritis in Germantown, Maryland, you know it can be a debilitating disease. Not only does it cause pain and inflammation in the joints, but it can also make everyday activities very difficult. However, many treatments are available for arthritis that can help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Target the best Germantown arthritis specialist for the procedure to be excellent. Here are some of the most common treatments used to treat arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to treat arthritis as it helps reduce pain and stiffness and increase strength and range of motion. In some cases, it can help repair some of the damage done to the joints by the disease. Physical therapy can also teach you exercises that you can do at home to keep your joints flexible, strong, and pain-free.
Medications
Some forms of arthritis are treatable with medications to reduce inflammation and relieve the associated pain. Some drugs slow the progress of the disease, while others help treat complications such as infections or rashes. Medication is usually only used in extreme cases, however. If you opt for these types of treatment, make sure that you consult with your doctor first to recommend the best medications for your particular type of arthritis.
Anti-Inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory medications treat the pain associated with arthritis rather than treating arthritis itself. However, they can also help reduce swelling and fight infection in cases where arthritis is caused by an injury or damage to the joint. One of the most commonly used anti-inflammatories is ibuprofen (Motrin). Corticosteroids are potent drugs often injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation.
Joint Injections
Joint injections are a standard arthritis treatment that involves the injection of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids directly into the joint. This type of therapy works well for arthritis in particular joints, such as the knee or shoulder. However, it does have some risks associated with it, so you should discuss them with your doctor before deciding whether or not to try this treatment.
Weight Loss Programs
Losing weight can do wonders for people who have arthritis. Extra body weight puts more stress on the joints, causing them to become inflamed and painful. Losing just a few pounds could help reduce joint pain significantly, so talk to your doctor about starting a weight loss program if you are overweight. Additionally, focusing on eating foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce arthritis inflammation.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to treat arthritis because it reduces pain and stiffness and helps maintain flexibility and strength. Yoga, swimming, or any other exercise that focuses on maintaining strong bones and joints is perfect for people with arthritis.
Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can cause pain and inflammation in the joints. However, many treatments are available for arthritis that can help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Visiting a reliable arthritis management center is the right thing to do. The specialists will come up with the proper remedy for your condition.
