| Arthritis is a painful condition affecting the joints and in | | | | on your own in order to shed excess weight and go |
| advanced stages, it can even cause limb deformities. It | | | | easy on your joints. |
| is a chronic condition that needs to be diagnosed | | | | |
| properly in order for it to be treated efficiently. If you | | | | Arthritis Products You Should Avoid |
| suspect you have arthritis, do not try to use any | | | | There are many well-documented arthritis products |
| product without first consulting your doctor. Not all pain | | | | that have proven to be effective in the treatment of |
| located in the joints are related to arthritis and it's | | | | arthritis symptoms but there are also some products |
| important to rule out any other medical conditions | | | | that are a complete waste of money and effort. They |
| before the appropriate medication or therapy is | | | | come in all forms - tablets, pills, powder drinks, |
| prescribed. | | | | electronic massagers, ointments, even jewelry, all |
| Common Products Used to Treat Arthritis | | | | offering a miracle "cure". Unfortunately, many of these |
| Arthritis products commonly address three problems | | | | arthritis products are unproven, some are unsafe and |
| associated with the disease: pain, inflammation and | | | | many more completely built on false claims. |
| mobility problems. The arthritis product or medication | | | | If you are considering using an arthritis product you've |
| that will be prescribed to you will depend on the type | | | | never heard of before, always proceed with prudence |
| of arthritis you have, the frequency and severity of the | | | | and use common sense. Many of these products are |
| pain and other conditions such as your age, lifestyle | | | | cleverly marketed, masking side effects and |
| and medical history. | | | | exaggerating claims. Remember that completely |
| Some of the most common products used to treat | | | | worthless arthritis products are marketed to attract |
| arthritis include drugs and medications. These are used | | | | patients who are desperate enough to be willing to |
| to manage arthritis pain and inflammation and helps in | | | | believe anything. When symptoms are especially bad, |
| promoting mobility and tissue repair. Some of these | | | | this is often the time when you're most vulnerable. |
| products are available over-the-counter while others | | | | Watch out for products that are not supported by |
| may need a prescription due to stronger dosage or | | | | scientific proof or controlled clinical studies. If there are |
| associated side effects. | | | | studies involved, they should have been conducted by |
| These products include: analgesics, topical pain | | | | an unbiased third party. As a consumer, you should |
| relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), | | | | also be informed of what kind of ingredients are used |
| disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), | | | | in the product or if it is a gadget, how exactly it's |
| glucocorticoids, biologic response modifiers (BRMs), | | | | supposed to work against arthritis. |
| salicylates, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, nerve | | | | If they are untested or if testimonials are the only |
| blockers, muscle relaxants and narcotics. | | | | anecdotal proof the manufacturers can provide, it may |
| Supplements | | | | be better for you to stay clear of these products. If |
| Two of the most popularly used supplements for | | | | you must hope, do so realistically and protect yourself |
| arthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin, which naturally | | | | at all times. |
| occur in the joint tissues. As supplements, these | | | | Taking Arthritis Products Seriously |
| products have been in use for many years. If you're | | | | Treating arthritis is serious business so it's important |
| considering using them, ask your doctor for advice and | | | | that you follow the recommended doses of any |
| recommendation. | | | | product that may be prescribed to you. Doubling the |
| Another popular arthritis product is in the form of | | | | dosage may seem the practical thing to do especially |
| dietary supplements, often marketed as "special" diets | | | | when symptoms are severe but this may only worsen |
| using tablets, drinks or a diet program. While the | | | | your condition. Certain arthritis products such as drugs, |
| supporting premise about a balanced diet in order to | | | | for example, have unpleasant side effects and often |
| manage weight and ease arthritic pain may be valid | | | | need to be controlled and monitored. Remember that |
| enough, there is no such thing as a single diet that will | | | | arthritis products exist in order to give you relief from |
| prevent or "cure" arthritis. Unlike gout, arthritis is not | | | | symptoms, not to worsen or do nothing for your |
| caused directly by food. If you must use a diet, do so | | | | condition. |