If you or your loved one has a severe form of arthritis, you should know that there are many ways to live better and with less pain.

Actually, the Department of Health and Human Services has found solid evidence that resistance and endurance exercise provides benefits for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatic arthritis. Their research suggests that a regular program of limited exercise and weight management can help to lessen arthritis pain. Regular exercise throughout life also can help to prevent arthritis from developing in the first place.

Some people also believe that little can be done to manage arthritis and the pain that results from it.

In reality, there are many treatments available that can lessen your pain and improve your quality of life:

NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are the most common treatments for this disease. Many people who suffer from arthritis take high doses of NSAIDs to reduce inflammation in their joints.

Analgesics fight arthritis pain, but not the inflammation. Analgesic work on your peripheral and central nervous system. The nerves and the brain do not sense as much pain. Many analgesics can be bought over the counter, while others are available by prescription. Note that the most common analgesic drug is acetaminophen, which is better known as Tylenol. Doctors generally recommend acetaminophen as the first line of defense for arthritis pain. If that is not enough, your doctor may recommend a stronger analgesic, known as an opioid.

Corticosteroids are a form of steroid that fights the inflammation that causes arthritis pain. Corticosteroids imitate the hormone cortisol, which helps to regulate your immune system to battle inflammation. DMARDs are also known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These drugs suppress the immune system function of your body. These drugs are often prescribed for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, which is a type of autoimmune disease that affects the joints.

remote

If you suffer from arthritis pain, we can help you to select products that make life easier. For example, our Tek Pal Universal Remote Control features big buttons and bold, easy to read characters that make it simple to select your TV channel.

Copyright The Wright Stuff, Inc. Articles may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from The Wright Stuff, Inc. must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this article.