Working With A Family Doctor

Did you know that the term "arthritis" means "inflammation of the joints?" While pain is a hallmark symptom of arthritis, much of that pain actually comes from the inflammation. So if you can alleviate the inflammation, you can also alleviate the pain. Other than taking prescription medications, though, how can you reduce the joint inflammation associated with arthritis? Here are a few tactics to try.

Massage Therapy

Massage focuses on the muscles, not the joints, so many people overlook it as a remedy for joint inflammation. But by massaging the muscles, which are often tight and sore as a result of ongoing joint pain and inflammation, a massage therapist can make the person more limber, allowing them to be more active. That increase in activity encourages fluid to drain from the joints, reducing inflammation. Massage also actively encourages lymph fluid to return to circulation, which further helps ease joint inflammation.

Try getting a massage once a month, or even once a week if you can afford to do so. After each massage, go for a walk or do some other light physical activity to get your joints bending and your heart pumping.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice or herb that contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. It has been used to relieve joint pain in traditional Indian medicine for years, and lately, it has been increasing in popularity in the United States. Turmeric is especially effective when you take it with black pepper, which is said to enhance the absorption of the curcumin into your bloodstream. You also want to take the turmeric with fat, as curcumin is a fat-soluble compound.

Try taking a turmeric supplement — one that contains black pepper — twice a day with your meals. You should notice some relief after the first dose, and your inflammation will subside even more as you continue taking the turmeric.

TENS

TENS stands for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. This treatment involves placing little electrodes over the affected joint. The electrodes deliver low-level impulses, causing your muscles to contract and release, over and over again. This repeated contraction helps encourage extra fluid to drain out of the joint, alleviating inflammation. TENS also helps reduce pain by over-stimulating the nerve endings that send pain signals. You can purchase TENS devices for home use and use the treatment as often as desired. 

If you alleviate the joint inflammation associated with arthritis, your pain level should also decrease. Try the tactics above, and reach out to your doctor if you need more ideas.

For more information about joint inflammation treatment, talk to your doctor.