There are a lot of misconceptions when you talk about Arthritis today. Arthritis is considered America’s number one most frustrating and painful condition and cause for most disability of individuals. Anyone is at risk of this condition, in fact it is believed that a third of the adult population will eventually get it.
Arthritis especially the chronic one cannot be cured but the pain and discomfort can be managed successfully. People just have to do lots of trial and error when it comes to treatments because not all treatments can bring good result to every patient. One form of treatment might not work for you but will work with others. It is vital then that one should be knowledgeable enough with its condition. Learn to know what is just myth and facts. Let us check on the most common myths about arthritis.
Go easy on Exercise if you have Arthritis
Just the opposite since inactivity just causes more stiffness, so you better be more active. Besides exercise improves balance in the body. To support this a result from a study of 5,700 adults whose age is 65 years and above with arthritis showed that those who did not exercise regularly is has the risk of losing their ability to do their daily task. Physical decline is much faster with this people (Arthritis & Rheumatism 2005). It is best too that your exercise program covers the stretching and strengthening exercise.
Exercising too much increase your risk of developing arthritis
Exercising vigorously does not cause arthritis at all but being injured in the process of exercising does have high chances of developing arthritis. Several studies have supported this claim. In fact about 86,000 Americans who gets injured each year most of them in their teens, over half of them will already show symptoms of degenerative arthritis in just five years.
Thus it is important that you take extra care when exercising not to get injured. It is the injury that would likely lead to arthritis.
Arthroscopic surgery relieves arthritic knee pain
For one, surgery is not really recommended unless it is to correct a certain defect like repairing a torn cartilage or some fracture in the bone but for shaving off rough areas of the cartilage to improve arthritis condition or relieve symptoms is just a myth. A study has been made already and it showed no improvement at all (N Engl J Med 2002). In fact a new study come up that arthroscopic procedures might have contributed to cartilage deterioration.
Managing pain from Arthritis.
It is true that patients do need pain medication to manage arthritis pain but there are other forms of treatment that can bring arthritis relief. The use of hot and cold pack can relieve pain. Other alternative therapies without the use of drugs include the use of supplements with active ingredients of Glucosamine and chondroitin, Acupuncture, Massage and Counseling or relaxation training. All these have clinical studies to support them that in one way or the other they are effective in relieving arthritis pain.
The use of arthritis ointment or creams and gels are also proven to ease pain. This topical pain medication is easily absorbed in the skin. This arthritis cream are best used on joints that are quite close to the skin like joints in your knees or hands.
What kind of ingredients is commonly used with these creams? The most common ingredients use includes Capsaicin which brings burning sensation like that of a chili pepper. It exhausts your nerve cells of the chemical that is vital for sending pain messages. Example products for these are Zostrix and Capzasin.
Another ingredient is the Salicylates which contain a substance from Aspirin that relieves pain, Example product for these are Bangay and Aspercreme. Next ingredient is the Menthol which brings a hot or cold sensation which temporarily relieves you from arthritic pain. Examples of products are Biofreeze and Icy Hot.
Is this product Effective and safe to use? regarding the effectiveness of the product, opinions really differ while most people claim the products help a lot in relieving pain, scientific studies reveals fairly small benefits. As for safety, be aware that capsaicin creams can burn or sting your skin but this kind of discomfort generally lessens after a few weeks of regular use. If you are allergic to aspirin consult your health care provider before you use creams that contain salicylates