Arthritis Drugs Carry Risks.
Many people find they cannot tolerate the pain of arthritis without the use of painkillers. Those most commonly used are anti-inflammatories and narcotics. Regular, sustained use of these drugs can have serious side effects and can be potentially fatal.
Information on the website of the US Food and Drug Agency identifies non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as being responsible for an increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in elderly people, who are most likely to suffer with arthritis.
“Based on the currently available data, FDA has concluded that an increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events appears to be a class effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)”
An alternative painkilling drug is Codeine. This does not pose the same dangers as anti-inflammatories but it can cause addiction and constipation and more importantly, drowsiness.
Any approach that will provide relief from the severe pain of arthritis, without the use of these drugs, has to be preferable to the dangers involved with the anti-inflammatories and narcotics. There are many ways in which this can be achieved.
Plan Your Diet to Beat the Pain.
Some foods can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis, while others can be a great help in reducing the pain. Identify which is which and plan your meals accordingly. The World Health Organisation has information on what constitutes a balanced diet.
The Benefits of Exercise.
When you’re in pain, the thought of putting any more strain on your body can just add to your distress. However, it is most important that some careful movement of all the affected joints should take place every day. You must keep some strength and flexibility in the muscles, because they have the job of supporting and moving the joints.
Swimming, cycling and walking are all excellent for improving mobility, without causing harmful impact on joints. This applies to knees and hips in particular. Swimming, or water aerobics are excellent, because the water supports you and makes movement much easier.
Your Weight is Important.
If you adopt a combination of sensible diet and gentle exercise, it is likely that your weight will stabilise at an optimum level for you and this will not only benefit your all-round health but will also reduce the strain on your joints.
Supplementary Remedies
Supplements to your normal diet can be useful in helping to strengthen arthritic joints and relieve pain and stiffness. There are many products out there, some of the most popular being Omega 3 Fish Oil, Glucosamine, Cider Vinegar and Flax Seed Oil.
Tags: disease, H, arthritis remedies, Health
