Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp
shooting pain or a painful burning sensation, chronic arthritis pain is a
degenerative condition that affects joints and the surrounding connective
tissues. Although the term arthritis is generically used to refer to more than
100 different types of
rheumatic diseases and conditions—from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to fibromyalgia and gout—the most common form of arthritis
is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis results when joint
cartilage breaks down. Cartilage is the tough but flexible connective tissue
that functions as a cushion between bones. When cartilage degenerates, bones
begin to rub together. Over time, this friction can cause permanent joint
damage, resulting in osteoarthritis. As you might expect, because
osteoarthritis is the result of wear and tear on joints, the condition often
worsens with age. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, pain, swelling
and reduced motion in joints. It can occur in any joint, but is most common in
the hands, knees, hips and spine.
Why
is Pain Important?
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in every 5 American adults—50 million
people—have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. If this opportunity does not seem large
enough, consider this: In a recent USA Today article, rheumatologist Patience
White, a spokeswoman for The Arthritis Foundation stated, “Osteoarthritis is a
huge public health problem that’s going to grow considerably in the next 20
years because of obesity, lack of physical activity, the aging population and
injuries.”
With respect to the increasing
senior population, a recent report for the CDC cautioned that as a result of
the aging U.S. population, a trend often referred to as ‘The Silver Tsunami’,
doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to increase from approximately 50
million adults today to an estimated 67 million by the year 2030. That means
that roughly 25 percent of the projected total adult population will be dealing
with arthritis and arthritis pain.
Pill-Free
Pain Management Alternatives
Americans are increasingly on the
search for pill-free alternatives for managing pain. This is not surprising
when you consider that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the most
common pharmaceutical option, are often linked to increased risk of heart
attacks and strokes.
Pain-relieving opioid options carry
a high risk for addiction and other unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, there
are several non-pharmacological alternatives to pain relief that are ideally
suited to retailers of senior care products. Three popular treatment options
include topical creams and gels, hot/cold therapy treatments and electrical
nerve stimulation.
Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
This therapy option utilizes a
low-voltage electrical current to deliver mild electrical pulses to the skin,
which stimulate nerve fibers in the skin. Many experts believe that this
stimulation interferes with the transmission of pain signals from the arthritic
joint. Although research trials studying the effectiveness of TENS therapy are
not conclusive, TENS has proved to be a popular form of pain relief for many
people. In a recent interview with the Arthritis Foundation, Girish
Padmanabhan, clinical director of outpatient rehab at The George Washington
University Hospital in Washington, D.C., expressed his confidence in the
benefits of TENS, stating, “TENS is effective in treating any kind of arthritis
pain—in treating pain, period.”
Many of these TENS options have
recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter
use. This means arthritis sufferers no longer need a prescription to purchase
TENS units.
Heat
and Cold Therapies
Two of the simplest and most
effective methods of relieving arthritis pain are heat and cold therapies,
according to the Arthritis Foundation. Applying heat and cold stimulates the
natural healing force of the body and can help to mitigate arthritis pain and
stiffness.
Heat therapy—Heat works by helping
your muscles relax, which can alleviate both pain and stiffness. From a
physiological perspective, heat dilates the blood vessels, stimulating blood
circulation and reducing muscle spasms. It is also believed that heat alters
the sensation of pain. There are two options for heat therapy, dry heat, such
as microwavable heating packs or electric heating pads—or moist heat, such as
warm baths or heated wash cloths.
Cold therapy—Alternatively, cold
therapy reduces swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. Cold
therapy also has a numbing effect on the area, slowing down the pain messages
sent to the brain. Additionally, many health care professionals emphasize the
importance of people with arthritis staying active. Cold therapy can be an
important element of post workout recovery as it also helps to reduce swelling
and inflammation that may follow physical activity.
Which is
better, heat or cold? Many experts strongly believe that heat works better than
cold for people with osteoarthritis pain. Others, like the Mayo Clinic,
recommend a combination of heat and cold treatments to help reduce inflammation
and ease the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis.
Topical Creams & Gels
For centuries, ointments, creams and
liniments have been rubbed into sore joints to relieve pain. The most popular
of these remedies fall into three primary categories: salicylates, menthol and
capsaicin.
Salicylates, such as Aspercreme,
contain the pain-relieving substances similar to those found in aspirin. Using
the cooling effect of menthol, alternatives such as Biofreeze and Icy Hot
produce a sensation of hot or cold that may temporarily override the user’s
ability to feel arthritis pain. Capsaicin creams, such as Capzasin and Zostrix,
work by stimulating nerve cells, which depletes the cells of a chemical
necessary to transmit pain. As a result, pain first increases and subsequently
decreases.
Because these topical pain
medications are absorbed through the skin, these options are best suited to
joints that are close to the skin’s surface, such as hands and knees.
Where
to Buy
Science shows that all of the above
options provide relatively low risk, pill-free options that may reduce pain and
inflammation. However, arthritis pain is different for every sufferer.
Therefore, it is no surprise that medical opinions differ on which of the above
options offer the most relief for pain and stiffness. There are no easy answers
or magic solutions to relieve arthritis pain. What works for some may not work
for others. Savon Medimart has a large range of products that will help ensure
you are able to find the right combination that works for you.
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Article reprinted from Home Care Magazine – author: by Mary Carol
Dolivier
