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Arthritis: 4 Tips from a Doctor on Managing Symptoms at Home
Arthritis: 4 Tips from a Doctor on Managing Symptoms at Home
With 1 in 4 American adults experiencing arthritis, many people are looking for ways to effectively manage the disease and their symptoms — including pain, stiffness, and swelling in or around joints such as those in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees, and hips, which can significantly impact function and movement.
If you think you may have arthritis, the first and most important step to take is to speak with a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. With more than 100 types of arthritis and related health conditions that can affect the joints and surrounding tissues, it is important to know which type you have so it can be treated properly. Some people may also have more than one type of arthritis or develop new symptoms that require re-evaluation and perhaps a different treatment plan.
Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan. Focused on fighting inflammation, reducing joint pain and stiffness, and keeping you moving, arthritis treatment plans typically include the use of medications — prescription and/or over-the-counter — and non-drug treatments. In some cases, depending on your diagnosis, specialized medications are required for targeted treatments that require continuous monitoring by a doctor.
It is also common for doctors to recommend other ways you can help to manage the disease at home.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to control your pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain your mobility and quality of life. At-home treatments can provide significant pain relief to those diagnosed with the disease.
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Arthritis: 4 Tips from a Doctor on Managing Symptoms at Home
Arthritis: 4 Tips from a Doctor on Managing Symptoms at Home
Arthritis: 4 Tips from a Doctor on Managing Symptoms at Home
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With 1 in 4 American adults experiencing arthritis, many people are looking for ways to effectively manage the disease and their symptoms — including pain, stiffness, and swelling in or around joints such as those in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees, and hips, which can significantly impact function and movement.
If you think you may have arthritis, the first and most important step to take is to speak with a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. With more than 100 types of arthritis and related health conditions that can affect the joints and surrounding tissues, it is important to know which type you have so it can be treated properly. Some people may also have more than one type of arthritis or develop new symptoms that require re-evaluation and perhaps a different treatment plan.
Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will develop a personalized arthritis treatment plan. Focused on fighting inflammation, reducing joint pain and stiffness, and keeping you moving, arthritis treatment plans typically include the use of medications — prescription and/or over-the-counter — and non-drug treatments. In some cases, depending on your diagnosis, specialized medications are required for targeted treatments that require continuous monitoring by a doctor.
It is also common for doctors to recommend other ways you can help to manage the disease at home.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to control your pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain your mobility and quality of life. At-home treatments can provide significant pain relief to those diagnosed with the disease.
Tip #1: Lifestyle Changes
- Nutrition: While there is no miracle diet for arthritis, eating certain foods may help reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms. I recommend that my patients stay away from foods that contain large amounts of salt, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, as these ingredients can lead to arthritis flare-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress and pressure on your joints.
- Exercise: Eating healthy and exercising regularly work hand in hand when managing arthritis. Exercise is particularly important to increase your strength and flexibility and reduce joint pain. This does not mean that you need to run a marathon or start lifting heavy weights. In fact, the types of exercises that are best for you depend on your diagnosis. Your doctor or physical therapist can identify specific stretches, exercises, and movements you should include in your personal arthritis treatment plan.
- Sleep: It’s not uncommon for people with arthritis to have trouble sleeping because of pain or stress caused by the disease. However, not getting enough sleep can actually make your arthritis pain worse. Be sure to speak with your doctor about any sleep issues. I also recommend that my patients who have trouble sleeping because of stress or anxiety try meditation and mindfulness exercises.
- Mood: Long-term health conditions, like arthritis, may often lead to anxiety and depression. It is important to discuss your concerns openly with your healthcare professional.
- Regular Wellness Exams: It is important to regularly check in with your primary care doctor or other healthcare professional. This is especially true for people with diabetes, thyroid disease, chronic liver disease, or kidney disease as these are health conditions that can impact a person’s arthritis.
Skipping a workout or having a cheat meal from time to time doesn’t mean you’ve failed, but trying to incorporate these lifestyle changes into your daily routine as much as possible can lead to better results.
Many doctors (including myself) recommend that patients diagnosed with arthritis use both heat and cold treatments at home to reduce inflammation and help with painful or stiff joints. Cold helps to numb the area and reduce inflammation and swelling, while heat can loosen up muscles and increase flexibility.
Common cold treatments for arthritis include applying an ice pack (frozen peas or ice cubes in a baggie also work) for 20 minutes at a time. For heat treatments, patients can soak in a warm bath or apply a heating pad for 20 minutes.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenTip #3: Over-the-Counter Medicines
When used as directed, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are another safe and effective way to relieve mild to moderate arthritis pain. They aren’t meant to treat chronic pain conditions on a consistent or long-term basis unless used as directed by a healthcare professional. OTC pain relievers are generally recommended for only short periods of time, ranging from 10 to 21 days, unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
OTC pain relievers, taken orally in pill, capsule, or liquid form, include medicines containing acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
Patients diagnosed with arthritis should not overlook OTC topical pain relievers. They are applied to the skin over the arthritic joint and penetrate deep through the skin to deliver medicine at the site of arthritis pain. When choosing topical pain relievers, be sure to look for topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac sodium, which can treat joint pain, rather than counter-irritants such as menthol, which target neuropathic pain. Topical NSAIDs are effective for arthritis pain in areas such as knees, feet, ankles, elbows, wrists, and hands.
It is important to be aware that each OTC medicine has potential side effects and interactions with other drugs. Always read and follow the Drug Facts label on the medicine’s bottle or packaging to determine whether you have any risk factors related to the medicine’s active ingredients. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional with any questions before using an OTC pain reliever for your arthritis pain.
The Health in Hand Pain Reliever Assessment can help you identify personal risk factors that you can discuss with your doctor to find oral OTC pain relievers that may be right for you.
A NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Tip #4: Complementary Options
There are many complementary options available that claim to alleviate arthritis pain. While these remedies have little or no clinical evidence to support their use, many people use them to manage their pain. Always use high-quality products from companies that are transparent about their research data and how their product is made.
Some people should not take certain treatments because of their personal health conditions or current medications. That’s why it is important to speak with a doctor or a pharmacist before use.
Some examples of complementary options include:
- Essential oil: A topical treatment for joint pain made from various components of plants, including their roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa): A spice that is frequently used in South Asian foods.
- Glucosamine sulfate: A supplement form of glucosamine––a natural compound found in cartilage.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
No matter what treatment options make up your personalized arthritis treatment plan, it is important to stick with it. However, finding out what works best for you can take some trial and error, so be sure to speak with your doctor if you are struggling to manage your arthritis or notice any new symptoms.
Disclosure: Dr. Sulich is compensated by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. to consult on pain management issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.