These Products Can Help If You Have Arthritis

People who suffer from arthritis are likely already aware of how persistent and changing pain can affect daily life. You may find it difficult to perform ordinary tasks because of anything from a dull discomfort to a searing feeling.

According to Dr. Amy Kehl, a rheumatologist with Providence St. John’s Physician Partners and a staff physician at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, arthritis can manifest itself in both inflammatory and degenerative forms.

As the population ages and the obesity trend persists, more persons are likely to get osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis that affects 1 in 7 adults, according to Kehl.

According to Kehl, osteoarthritis is a degenerative kind of arthritis that typically affects the hands, knees, and hips. It’s more complicated than the “wear and tear” type of arthritis that’s linked to cartilage deterioration, he added. It may cause an inflammatory reaction, which also causes discomfort.

According to Kehl, different people nearly always feel arthritis pain differently, and as a result, various patients will require different pain treatment strategies. In general, it’s recommended to engage in both strengthening and aerobic exercise to lessen pain, but “the treatments should be personalized to the patient and meeting with a rheumatologist to decide the best treatment option, whether it be pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic, is always a good idea,” she said.

This list of over-the-counter painkillers was compiled with the assistance of Kehl and other arthritis specialists, who also provided explanations of the potential benefits of each medicine.

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1. Vibrating heated knee braces

According to Kehl, topical heat can be helpful for many people, particularly during the winter months. As previously reported by HuffPost, experts claim that heat has anti-inflammatory and blood flow-promoting properties.

These heated knee braces can be worn throughout daily activities and have a stabilizing impact on joints in addition to providing comforting heat. Additionally, the wraps include two heat settings that can be adjusted and four vibrating massage modes.

2. A Thumb spica splint

“I do recommend a thumb spica splint, which is a brace that can be purchased over the counter, for thumb osteoarthritis,” Kehl added. All other digits can move freely while the breathable brace stabilizes the thumb. For the optimum fit, it has velcro straps and is offered in three sizes.

3. A digital TENS unit

The theory behind TENS devices, according to orthopedic specialist Dr. Carlos Guanche of Los Angeles, is that they stimulate the body’s superficial nerves, which in turn exhaust some of the pain fibers that generally cause discomfort around joints.

According to Guanche, “some individuals do receive quite considerable improvement with these gadgets.” We frequently advise patients to buy an over-the-counter device as a test to see if the stronger prescription device would be more effective because of this.

With over 63,700 five-star Amazon reviews and five unique stimulation settings, this model is reasonably priced.

4. An at-home paraffin wax treatment for hands

Kehl proposed that paraffin wax treatments could be beneficial for treating the discomfort associated with hand osteoarthritis. Because the disposable gloves are pre-filled with a thoroughly moisturizing and relaxing paraffin, at-home kits like this one don’t need a big salon-style wax heater. They can be used up to four times and are enriched with lavender essential oil, jojoba oil, and glycerin.

5. A best selling anti-tear yoga mat with blocks

The department of rheumatology, allergy, and immunology at Harvard Medical School is where Dr. Jonathan S. Hausmann practices medicine as an assistant professor. In order to improve joint function and lessen pain, he claimed that “a combination of aerobic and strengthening workouts is usually useful.”

For arthritis of the hip and knee, every specialist HuffPost spoke with advised engaging in low-impact exercise, including pilates, yoga, and even Tai Chi. Additionally, he added that keeping a healthy weight might lessen the effects of hip and knee pain.

This yoga mat is cushiony on the knees, hips, and spine if you don’t already have one at home. It is constructed of an incredibly thick, highly dense foam. It comes with two foam yoga blocks and simply rolls up into the carrying strap that is included.

6. A pair of copper-infused compression gloves

Non-supportive compression devices, according to Guanche, might help with symptoms in some cases. The manufacturer of these machine-washable, fingerless compression gloves says the copper infusion will relieve inflammation, but there isn’t much proof to back up that claim.

7. A 500-count bestselling and classic NSAID pain reliever

Hausmann advises caution when using systemic NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, even though they are frequently used to treat arthritis and relieve pain. These non-steroidal drugs can lessen inflammation, which eases the discomfort of joint pain.

Before taking NSAIDs, patients with certain blood diseases, stomach ulcers, kidney illness, or asthma should consult their doctor.

8. Voltaren arthritis gel

Kehl advised using Voltaren gel, an over-the-counter topical anti-inflammatory that can be applied to damaged joints. Only 15% of Voltaren gel is absorbed systemically, therefore it would be a better option for people who are otherwise ineligible for systemic anti-inflammatories, according to the expert.

When used, this hydrating, non-steroidal gel gives off a cooling sensation, which can help increase flexibility and relieve stiffness and aches.

9. A deeply penetrative capsaicin cream

Guanche claims that lotions containing capsaicin, a naturally occurring active ingredient in chili peppers, can help lessen certain arthritis symptoms.

“This medicine reduces a chemical in the body that aids in transmitting pain signals to the brain. In many instances, especially in more superficial joints like the knees, hands, and feet, it is quite beneficial “explained he.

The well-liked, odorless lotion Capzasin HP, which is sold over-the-counter, contains 0.1% capsaicin.