Finding Arthritis Products

There are a variety of different products that aid in the treatment of arthritis, including oral medications, topical treatments and adaptive equipment devices that assist with tasks of daily living, such as pulling on socks and managing buttons.



The type of arthritis that you have - osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathy or rheumatoid - will impact the type of treatments and products that you need, as these different types of arthritis have some different symptoms and management guidelines.



Pain management interventions can include:

- pain medication patches (Fentanyl)

- NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory medications - Naprosyn)

- narcotics (Morphine)

- steroids (Prednisone)

- topical anesthetic patches

(Lidoderm)

- heat packs or ice packs

- massage, PT or OT

- over the counter analgesics (Tylenol)



Life management products can include:

- button aides

- sock aides

- velcro shoes

- splints or other positioning devices

for your hands

- kitchen utensils with oversized

handles

- electric can-openers and other

utility kitchen aides



Natural remedies can include:

- capsicum cream or patches

- herbal moist packs

- warm baths with mineral salts

(Magnesium)



I suggest seeing a Rheumatologist who can help to determine the type of arthritis you have, and the best way to approach treatment.

TENS Treatment

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. TENS involves a small device that sends mild electrical pulses to nerves in the painful area. All it feels like is a vibrating or tapping sensation and it doesn´t hurt. A TENS unit can help decrease the pain. If you are interested in it, you can talk to your doctor or physical therapist.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a big help to anyone with arthritis. Therapists can give you certain exercises that can help the pain. They can also give you ideas on how to help yourself.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice where small, thin needles go into the skin at specific points on the body. This procedure is used to help reduce moderate pain. It is generally safe and has few side effects. If you are interested, talk to your doctor about it.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are painless ways of helping reduce pain. It sends sound waves into the area it is being done on. A physical therapist can perform these.

Fish Oils

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis claim that fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has improved their arthritis. If you are consider taking this, check with your doctor first.