arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness: essentials to find relief for your joints

and you’re definitely not alone in the challenges. about six million canadians have arthritis in some form, according to arthritis society canada . that’s one in five people. nearly 60 per cent are women.

while it can affect people of all ages, the likelihood increases with age and stays for life. and three in 10 canadians (30 per cent of us) rank arthritis among the top three diseases behind workplace absences or long-term disability, an ipsos poll revealed.

learning about self-management tools for arthritis and joint pain are part of services provided by arthritis society canada , because there’s a lot you can do beyond prescription medication. there are numerous items on the market for hot and cold therapy, for example, and other drug-free strategies. regular physical exercise, reducing excess body weight and developing relaxation skills all play a significant role as well.

summary

voltaren regular strength joint pain gel

there are several topical products, like voltaren, that are made with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine called diclofenac. they treat arthritis in joints that are close to the skin, like your hands and knees, the mayo clinic notes , adding that some studies have shown these gels and creams work as well as oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause upset stomach and heart problems. topical alternatives can be used as needed when pain is acute or when the ointment is applied daily. these products were once available only by prescription, but now you can get them without a prescription, and they are widely available. voltaren’s formulation is non-greasy and easy to apply to skin – and billed as a top brand recommended by canadian doctors and pharmacists.

medistik extra stength pain relief stick

rapid relief reusable hot & cold gel compress

heat and cold therapies can be part of your toolkit for short-term pain relief. cold therapy can help to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling if your joints are hot and swollen, arthritis society canada advises . heat therapy aids in relaxing muscles and improving circulation. use the technique several times a day for about 15 minutes. tip: protect yourself by placing a cloth or towel between the heat or cold treatment and your skin. these reusable gel compresses are great for smaller areas. they can be frozen for cold therapy and quickly microwaved for immediate heat therapy. for an injury, start with icing – don’t use heat for the first 48 hours, says johns hopkins medicine . “when an injury or inflammation, such as tendonitis or bursitis occurs, tissues are damaged. cold numbs the affected area, which can reduce pain and tenderness. cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation.”

brownmed – imak compression arthritis gloves

compression gloves are often prescribed by occupational therapists for hand pain and stiffness from arthritis for daytime to improve function and for night to reduce pain, help with a sounder sleep and prevent morning stiffness. compression removes extracellular fluid, or swelling, so you experience less pain and stiffness. one 2022 study in rheumatology advances in practice looked at patient views and experiences with compression gloves, finding that the warmth provided by the gloves was perceived as the main benefit. the arthritis foundation, however, lists the imak gloves as a helpful option to try through its ease of use certification program that independently tests products and has them reviewed by people with arthritis. these compression gloves are made of a soft and breathable material that is comfortable to wear day and night, with open fingertips to feel, touch and grip for daily activities. the takeaway here is that every strategy doesn’t work the same way for each person, just as joint pain and arthritis is unique for every patient. get informed about the options and find what works best for you.

vital salveo compression recovery knee sleeve/brace

webber naturals turmeric curcumin

turmeric has moved to mainstream health, where you’ll find the spice in lattes and delicious hummus. its main active component is curcumin that gives turmeric its yellow colour and renown anti-inflammatory properties. as the mayo clinic points out , turmeric is now considered a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including pain, asthma and decreased movement in people with arthritis. various studies are looking at the benefits of turmeric, including several that showed turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. supplements, like these from webber naturals, can be a valuable complimentary therapy for your arthritis and joint pain. again, check with your healthcare provider if you are taking any type of anticlotting medication or other prescription because supplements can interact with medication.

2-pack 32” heavy duty grabrunner reacher grabber

there are many options to help make life easier for people with arthritis, so finding what works for you takes time and testing things out for home and work. arthritis society canada offers an accommodations toolkit with suggestions to make your work more manageable, including adjustable chairs, head supports, computer input devices and ergonomic door handles and locks. the good news is the narrative around arthritis is changing to make way for more accessible, comfortable work and lifestyle products.

share story

share this story

arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness: essentials to find relief for your joints

email

facebook

x

linkedin

copy story link