What Are Some Pain Relief Methods for People
With Arthritis?
There
are known methods to help stop pain for short periods of time.
This temporary relief can make it easier for people who have
arthritis to exercise. The doctor or physical therapist can
suggest a method that is best for each patient. The following
pain relief methods have worked for many
people:
- Moist
heat supplied by warm towels, hot packs, a bath, or
a shower can be used at home for 15 to 20 minutes three
times a day to relieve symptoms. A health professional can
use short waves, microwaves, and ultrasound to deliver deep
heat to noninflamed joint areas. Deep heat is not recommended
for patients with acutely inflamed joints. Deep heat is
often used around the shoulder to relax tight tendons prior
to stretching exercises.
- Cold
supplied by a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in
a towel helps to stop pain and reduce swelling when used
for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. It is often used for acutely
inflamed joints. People who have Raynaud's phenomenon should
not use this method.
- Hydrotherapy
(water therapy) can decrease pain and stiffness. Exercising
in a large pool may be easier because water takes some weight
off painful joints. Community centers, YMCAs, and YWCAs
have water exercise classes developed for people with arthritis.
Some patients also find pain relief from
the heat and movement provided by a whirlpool.
- Mobilization
therapies include traction (gentle, steady pulling),
massage, and manipulation (using the hands to restore normal
movement to stiff joints). When done by a trained professional,
these methods can help control pain and increase joint motion
and muscle and tendon flexibility.
- TENS
(transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and biofeedback
are two additional methods that may provide some pain
relief, but many patients find that they cost too
much money and take too much time. In TENS, an electrical
shock is transmitted through electrodes placed on the skin's
surface. TENS machines cost between $80 and $800. The inexpensive
units are fine. Patients can wear them during the day and
turn them off and on as needed for pain control.
- Relaxation
therapy also helps reduce pain. Patients can learn to
release the tension in their muscles to relieve pain. Physical
therapists may be able to teach relaxation techniques. The
Arthritis Foundation has a self-help course that includes
relaxation therapy. Health spas and vacation resorts sometimes
have special relaxation courses.
- Acupuncture
is a traditional Chinese method of pain relief. A medically
qualified acupuncturist places needles in certain sites.
Researchers believe that the needles stimulate deep sensory
nerves that tell the brain to release natural painkillers
(endorphins). Acupressure is similar to acupuncture,
but pressure is applied to the acupuncture sites instead
of using needles.
pains
releif,
| niams.nih.gov
|
|
