Arthritis Treatment Options

Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Also Included In: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 01 May 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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There are definite goals in the treatment of Arthritis (whatever type) which need to be factored in when deciding on a course of action and this course of action may be complex. To achieve such goals may need a combination of treatments including conventional medicines, effective alternative treatments, changes in diet and food, rest, exercise, lifestyle changes (such as the need to lose weight) and the protection of the joints.

When you have arthritis, you may well need to work closely with your doctor or specialist to find the optimum combination of treatments that will work for you. This decision making process will take into account the diagnosis, the severity of the disease and how you have responded to any treatment up to now. As time progresses, circumstances change and treatments may also need to change or there may be side effects. In addition, new forms of treatment are being tested all the time.

Some of the conventional treatments available are:

-- Pain relievers such as paracetamol.
-- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin (in small doses these also have pain killing qualities) - prolonged use of anti-inflammatories can cause stomach problems.
-- Steroids - effective in reducing inflammation but there are long term side effects.
-- DMARDS - disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are used for types of arthritis that involve problems with the immune system. They therefore act on the immune system.
-- BRMS - biologic response modifiers are increasingly used in early disease as they have been shown to be effective in preventing the long term damage to the joints. They are expensive and are administered by either injection or infusion.
-- Surgery - if damage to a joint is severe enough and other treatment is not working, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are several different types of surgery such as the removal of the inflamed lining of the joint or the painful covering of tendons, the release or repair of tendons, the removal of bone to relieve pain, the release of trapped nerves, the fusing of joints or the replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial joint. Joint replacement is the most common form of surgery for arthrtitis.

In England, tests are being carried out on the use of cannabidiol (which is a natural constituent of cannabis that has no mind altering effects in it purified form) for the treatment of arthritis pain.

Amoils offers all natural treatments for common conditions and ailments using essential oils. Visit our Arthritis page for more information.

http://www.amoils.com

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