| Joint pain or rheumatic pain prompts a lot people to | | | | Acetaminophen's edge over the other pain reliever's is |
| seek medical help because of the trouble and pain that | | | | its known gentleness to the stomach and not causing |
| it brings. Each individual has different pain threshold | | | | gastrointestinal problems. However, it has its own |
| level. Sometimes seeing a doctor depends upon how | | | | share of accompanying risks as with other medicines. |
| much pain is experienced and how it is affecting a | | | | People who drink alcohol heavily or those who have |
| person's life. If joint pain is experienced but without | | | | underlying liver disease may encounter liver problems |
| swelling or fever, generally it is safe to wait and see | | | | arising from acetaminophen medication. NSAIDs are |
| what happens. However, if there is constant pain that | | | | medicines that relieve pain and decrease inflammation, |
| is already interfering with a person's daily activities, | | | | the two classic symptoms of arthritis. Examples of |
| seeking for a doctor's exam is advisable. If joint pain is | | | | these medicines are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen |
| accompanied with fever, sudden and considerable | | | | sodium all of which are readily available over the |
| swelling with severe pain, it is best to see a doctor as | | | | counter without prescription. There are also many |
| well. | | | | other NSAIDs that are available through prescription. |
| What type of doctor should you see then? A | | | | NSAIDs have the added advantage of decreasing |
| rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon are two | | | | inflammation aside from relieving pain. Although |
| types of doctors who deal with joint and muscle | | | | NSAIDs are effective in relieving arthritis, these have |
| illnesses. Furthermore, an orthopedic surgeon focuses | | | | accompanying serious effects. Ulcer or bleeding from |
| mostly on surgical treatment of these conditions. | | | | the stomach poses a major concern to those who |
| Although it may be appropriate to see these types of | | | | are taking these types of drugs. This side effect |
| doctors, primary care doctors can very well handle | | | | usually occurs more frequently in patients who have a |
| non-complicated rheumatic problems and may only | | | | previous history of stomach ulcers, elderly patients and |
| make referrals to specialists if the condition demands it. | | | | those patients who have underlying illnesses and are |
| The major complaint about arthritis is the pain that | | | | taking other medications. Another major concern with |
| accompanies it. Most often, medicines that you can | | | | NSAIDs is the possibility of harming kidney function. |
| buy over the counter are the first treatment of choice | | | | Although this poses a potential problem, thankfully its |
| for arthritic pain. There are two types of pain relievers | | | | incidence is rather rare. |
| that are used to alleviate the pain that goes with | | | | Maintaining an ideal body weight is not only the key to |
| arthritis. Not one type though is perfect for all pains but | | | | better health but this will also aid in treating arthritis. An |
| however if used correctly, both types could be | | | | obese or over weight individual carries extra load |
| beneficial. These two main types are the simple pain | | | | increasing the painful arthritic joint's wear and strain. |
| relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines | | | | There are also some foods that may affect arthritis |
| (NSAIDs). | | | | symptoms. These could either increase or decrease |
| Acetaminophen is an example of a simple pain reliever | | | | the symptoms. Fish oils have been found out to |
| that can be effective in controlling pain caused by | | | | decrease the inflammation that usually comes with |
| arthritis. To determine its effectiveness, a medicine | | | | rheumatoid arthritis. There are also specific foods that |
| should be taken overtime and the same is true with | | | | cause arthritis symptoms to flare up, although these |
| acetaminophen. Two extra strength tablets taken | | | | vary from person to person. Identifying your own food |
| three to four times daily and taken for several days | | | | culprit may help you and your doctor properly deal with |
| should be enough to determine whether or not it will be | | | | your arthritis. |
| effective for a long-term treatment plan. | | | | |