$Unique_ID{BRK01341}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Can be Done to Get Arthritis Relief Besides Taking Medication?}
$Subject{arthritis pain medication musculoskeletal system connective tissue
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs medications arthritics arthritic medicine
medicines treatment treatments joint joints swell swells swelling swollen}
$Volume{M-17,R-17}
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What Can be Done to Get Arthritis Relief Besides Taking Medication?


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QUESTION:  I used to be pretty good about dealing with pain, but the pain of
my arthritis just won't quit.  After a time it can get anyone down.  I don't
get much relief from medication any more, and don't want to just keep
increasing the doses.  I know you can't make it go away as if by magic, but
could you please tell me what I can do, besides taking my medication, to get
some relief.  Any advice you can give me would be very greatly appreciated.

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ANSWER:  There are many things you can do to improve your situation.  Start by
talking to your doctor.  Perhaps your prescription needs to be changed.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often work on a patient for a few months,
and then, all of a sudden, stop working.  There are many different kinds of
anti-inflammatory drugs, though, and a change of medications may do you good.
You can also help yourself by exercising.  Talk to your doctor about moderate
exercise that can help improve your range of motion.  Often arthritics feel
like the last thing they'd like to do is exercise, but it can be very helpful.
Experiment with applications of both heat and cold to painful areas.  Strange
as it may seem, both can be affective, though the results vary with the
individual.  Get involved in activities that you enjoy.  When you are busy,
you may forget about the pain.  Do your best to stay healthy.  That means
eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, limiting drinking alcohol and
cutting out smoking.  Cut down on stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine and
stimulating drugs, as they can intensify pain.  You might like to keep a
journal of how you feel during certain activities and in certain situations.
Perhaps you'll find that some activities lessen your pain.  And keep your
spirits up.  You sound like a pretty organized person, and quite capable of
developing a mental attitude that can overcome even the persistent pain of
arthritis, if you really try.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.