Arthritis Pain Relief and Supplements: What You Need to Know

Do you suffer from arthritis or know someone who does? For arthritis sufferers, pain becomes a fixture in their life. Over-the-counter medications do provide relief, but it short lived. As soon as the medication wears off, the pain returns. There is hope though. For many, that hope comes in the form of natural and dietary supplements. Just a sample of the supplements that can provide relieve include devil’s claw, ginger, stinging nettle, flax, and ASU.

You now know that some herbal and dietary supplements can provide arthritis relief. Your first thought may be to run to the drug store. Wait! Before you make your purchase, there a number of things you should know about these supplements.

Some herbal, dietary, and natural supplements counteract with over-the-counter and prescribed medications. For that reason, medical advice is strongly advised. Talk to a medical professional. This should be a primary care physician or at least a pharmacist. The goal of supplements is to relieve arthritis pain and discomfort, not create other complications. If you are worried about discouragement, don’t ask if a supplement will work. Instead, ask if it is safe to take with your medications.

Remember there is no cure. You can treat arthritis, but it cannot be cured. For that reason, stay away from any supplements with the claim. You will waste your money. These supplements can reduce the pain, inflammations, sleep difficulties, and decreased mobility associated with arthritis, but that is it. Plenty of products outright state this; do not opt for one that that lies.

These herbal supplements are not worth putting your health at risk. As previously stated, some supplements counteract with over-the-counter and prescribed medication. If you are in severe pain, you may be willing to make the switch. You may stop taking your diabetes medication to take devil’s claw, and so forth. This is not recommended. Never stop taking prescribed medication. Once again, speak to a healthcare professional. Many supplements provide relief and are safe to take. Your doctor can advise you on which supplements are best.

A world of information is available online. Almost fifty herbal, natural, and dietary supplements can aid in arthritis relief. Some treat joint inflammation and swelling, while others treat sleep difficultly, decreased mobility, cartilage damage, and pain. Which is right for you? An online internet search will tell. Read reviews to see what people have to say. Look for both positive and negative reviews. It is rare for a product to receive rave reviews, but be cautious of telltale signs, such as “scam,” “waste of money,” or “too many side effects.”

Speaking of the side effects, know what they are. Then, make an informed decision. Arthritis sufferers should examine the risk to determine if they are worth it. For example, cat’s claw is a supplement used to reduce inflammation. Possible side effects include headaches, vomiting, and dizziness. If your job requires you to be on your feet all day, the dizziness may be too much to handle. Look for an arthritis-helping supplement that has little to no side effects.

You can and should find the best deals. In terms of supplements, the best deal isn’t always the lowest price. Aim for the best quality for the lowest price. This is where the above mentioned research comes in handy. Look for specific brand names with positive feedback. When buying online, compare the size with prize and include the cost of shipping.

You must follow all directions. Herbal supplements are typically safe to use, when taken as directed. Different brands use similar extracts, but those amounts vary. Consult with your primary care physician or the bottle to get an exact dosage. Despite the common belief, more will do no good. In fact, it may cause complications.

Finally, if you take herbal supplements on a daily basis, write down and tape to your refrigerator. Also, inform those close to you. In the event you need medical care and cannot speak for yourself, responding personnel must know all medications you are taking, including supplements.

Arthritis and Driving: Tips for Ease

Those suffering from arthritis may find it difficult to walk to the car and back.  However, most do not let arthritis stop them from enjoying their life.  So, you may head out of the house and hop into your car.  This is great, what if you start experiencing pain?  How do you treat it on the road or prevent that pain from coming back the next time?

Keep arthritis pain relievers in the car.  In one of your car’s compartments, have a few pain relief supplies on hand.  This may include over-the-counter pain pills, a tube of arthritis cream, or on-the-go heat patches.  Whether you experience pain as soon as you get in your car, or later down the road, rely on these over-the-counter products to seek relief.  If you live in an area with cold winters, do not keep these items in your car, as they may freeze.  Instead, put them in your purse or fanny pack.

Speaking of over-the-counter products, most retail stores sell on-the-go heating patches.  These patches stick to your body and warm with skin contact.  ThermaCare is a well-known brand.  They are ideal when you can’t use an electric or microwaveable heating pad.  If in pain before you leave the house, but must still leave, like for a holiday party or a doctor’s appointment, apply an on-the-go heated patch.  Relief will last for up to 12 hours.  Since they stick directly to the skin, no adjustments should be needed.

Buy a remote car starter.  If you live in the northern United States, it is important to warm your car first.  Unfortunately, this may mean an extra trip back and forth.  It doesn’t have to.  Instead, purchase a remote car starter.  This device allows you to start and warm your car from inside your home.  They also make it easier to unlock car doors.  Instead of fumbling with the keys, push the button and your car doors unlock!  When buying a remote car starter, look for stores that offer free or discounted installation.

Buy no slip steeling wheel covers.  Those who suffer from arthritis of the fingers, dread driving.  In fact, some may fear the danger they put themselves and others in.  If you find it difficult to grip your car’s steering wheel, make a new purchase.  That purchase should be an easy grip and non-slipable steeling wheel cover.  Ask a store employee, family member, or friend to install the cover for you.

Keep a jar opener in the car.  If you have arthritis of the hands, you likely already utilize rubber jar openers at home.  They make griping, twisting, and turning easier.  Keep one in your car.  Use it to unscrew your car’s gas cap.  You can also find arthritis gas cap wrenches available for sale.  They slip over your gas cap, have an extended and easy grip handle.  These are nice, but they can be hard to find.  For the same price, you could easily buy 20 rubber jar openers, which accomplish the same goal.

Keep your car well gassed.  As previously stated, there are tools available to make opening and losing the gas cap easier.  Even with these tools, it can still be difficult and painful.  To prevent the onset of pain, always have a full tank of gas in your car.  You won’t be forced to put gas in when you are already in pain or more susceptible to it.  If you have a full-service gas station in your area, use it.

As you can see, there are many steps that you can take to ease travel and car use.  Just because you suffer from arthritis and are prone to pain, it does not mean you need to live your life in fear.  Implement the above mentioned steps to reduce pain.  If and when it does arrive, turn to your stash of over-the-counter arthritis care products to seek relief.