Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing away of cartilage over time. Over 25 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, and live with its pain each day. There are several methods for dealing with arthritis pain, and things you can do to get immediate and long-term knee arthritis pain relief.
Immediate Pain Relief
The key here is immediate. When the pain is intense you need relief right now. Two methods of immediate pain relief are over the counter pain medicines and gels and ointments. Acetaminophen tablets such as Tylenol are an easy to use, quick method of short term pain relief if you’ve over done it. It takes about half an hour to reach the bloodstream and become effective. Another option are the NAISDs such as Advil, which work on inflammation. Again, these take about a half hour to be effective, but are a good short term option.
Topical Pain Relief
There are many different gels and creams on the market for topical pain relief. Many are available over the counter, but do talk to your doctor about prescription medications as well. These provide relief minutes after application. They work in one of four ways:
- Counterirritants are the creams that make your skin feel either hot or cold. They have active ingredients such as wintergreen, menthol, eucalyptus, or spruce. Examples of this type of medication are Tiger Balm, Biofreeze, Ben Gay, etc.
- Topical Analgesic gels have ingredients that relieve pain topically in the same way that aspirin relieves pain systemically. Benefits are immediate relief and less systemic irritation, in other words, since it doesn’t go through your digestive system, you won’t have the stomach irritation that often accompanies aspirin ingestion.
- The next category of pain relief gels is a bit different. The active ingredient in these creams is capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. These creams need to be applied regularly for one to two weeks before pain relief can occur, so technically they aren’t for immediate relief. However, once they have been used, they do regularly provide relief, so good to know for next time. These creams are especially good for knee arthritis, because they work best relieving pain near the surface of the skin.
- Arnica gel is a homeopathic and herbal remedy. The active ingredient works to stimulate the capillaries helping to move congested blood and fluid through the inflamed and painful area. This can reduce swelling and pain, and promote healing.
Myofascial Release or Trigger Points
Myofascial release, or Trigger Point Therapy, was developed by Dr. Janet Travell. Her manual, (with Dr. David Simons) Myofascial Pain and Disfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, is considered the standard for this technique. Basically, the technique describes the fascia as interconnected throughout the body, using metaphors like plastic wrap or rubber bands. By manipulating one area of the fascia, connected areas are "released" bringing pain relief and better range of motion.
How To Use Trigger Points
You need to first go to a trained massage therapist or physical therapist. A highly trained massage therapist or physical therapist will know exactly which trigger point to manipulate, and how to manipulate it to provide relief for the client. According to Diane Stanton, a Liscenced Massage Therapist trained in Myofascial Release, any professional you see regularly would teach you trigger points for you to use at home. This pain relief method requires a bit of preparation and forethought, but once the trigger points have been learned, they should provide immeidate pain relief.
Mineral Baths
Mineral baths can provide relief for arthritis pain. Two studies stand out when looking at pain relief from arthritis by soaking in mineral baths. One, conducted in Isreal in 1990, showed that there was subjective pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis in spa goers who received mud packs and soaks in sulfur rich waters of the Dead Sea. Another study, done in 1992 in Russia, showed that sulfur baths did significantly reduce pain sensitivity of arthritis sufferers. Just soaking in Epsom Salts at home can help, too. According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, relieves inflammation and flushes toxins.
Hypnosis
Another pain relief method which has a high success rate and is non-invasive is hypnosis. The American Psychological Association has a division dedicated to psychological hypnosis. By contacting a qualified clinical hypnotherapist, you could experience significant pain relief for your arthritis. In an article in Arthritis Today, author Jenny Nash gives the example of a 73-year-old knee arthritis sufferer who experienced pain relief after three hypnosis treatments .
Finding effective pain relief methods for knee arthritis can help arthritis sufferers begin to enjoy their activities again. Being pain free, especially through non-invasive gentle methods, can enhance well being.
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