Pain from Arthritis Relief

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues due to stress and trauma of said joints. Arthritis is a painful and sometimes debilitating problem for many Americans. With that being said, and the economy in the state it is in at this moment, we have many sufferers that are unable to afford medication and simply must deal with the pain. For those who are sincerely unable to find help, here are a few ways you can deal with this sometimes-crippling disease.

A non-medicinal gel that can be gotten online for $12 on Ebay called Biofreeze will help with the pain almost immediately. There is a small amount of a smell associated with this gel, but in return for the relief, it is well worth the tinge of menthol scent. This can also be gotten with insurance from just about any chiropractor office in your area, but for a much higher price. This is not to be used with any heating device such as a heating pad or the warm towel method. To use this, simply rub it onto the painful area, and within minutes it will begin to relieve your pain. You can apply this as many times as needed to completely eradicate the irritation. To get rid of the gel, simply use warm water and a soapy rag to wash over the area and rinse completely.

Lying in a warm bath will help to alleviate many joint problems in the lower extremities. If you can handle lying for about a half an hour in a bath as hot as you can stand, this will help to take down some of the swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis. If you can sit completely still in this bath water for the entire time, it will also relax the muscles surrounding the joints, and in turn will help keep them from returning.

A warm towel or heating pad can be used for small areas such as back or leg pains. Never put a heating pad directly on the skin, as some get hot enough to burn flesh. Use a towel or other barrier device to keep from getting burned. Never use a heating pad for longer than half an hour unless directed to do so by a physician. The warm towel method can be put to use by heating a small hand towel in the dryer. If you do not have a dryer available, you can get the towel slightly damp and stick it in the microwave for about 1 minute on high. Always press the hot towel to the clothing and never bare skin, for the same precautionary reasons as the heating pad.

Nothing will take the place of seeking help from a physician. Contact your local health department for more free information on how to help alleviate this problem. If you are unable to complete any of these at home procedures due to the presence of Rheumatoid Arthritis, consult your physician immediately. This is a debilitating and irreversible disease that can cause severe pain and trauma to the joints it affects.