What Is The Best Therapy for Severe Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis is a chronic condition affecting people of any age and can lead to crippling sharp pain. Severe arthritis is not only extremely painful but can greatly reduce your mobility and activity as well as affect your mental health. The best therapy for severe arthritis pain will depend on where the arthritis is most painful. Although there is no single treatment that will instantly remove all the pain and other symptoms of this disease, but physical therapy is one of the most powerful ones. This therapy will improve mobility and – surprisingly perhaps – reduce pain.

Given that there are many types of arthritis, treatments and therapies will vary. What follows is a general guide for those with the more common types of this disease. Let’s take a look at what can be done to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Male nursing staff providing care to elderly woman sitting on a wheelchair suffering from severe arthritis

The Best Therapy for Severe Arthritis

The most common and efficient treatment for most types of severe arthritis is physical therapy. This therapy will help you to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Severe shoulder pain is common in those affected by the fiercer forms of arthritis. Certain arm and shoulder motions can help ease your pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to increase your flexibility and mobility. You will learn to never try to do too much too quickly: the aim is to gradually build up your motion.

This therapy has benefits not only for the joints, stiffness and swelling, but for your overall health. Properly supervised by a medical professional, your treatment may be long term or short term. With severe arthritis, you will most likely need long-term therapy.

In some cases, therapy for people with the most debilitating forms of arthritis also includes occupational therapy. This can help you performs the tasks of daily living. Your therapist will teach you how to make and practice certain movements that help you cope with daily life.

Your doctor or therapist may also recommend that your exercise plan includes practicing smooth movements, like yoga, Tai Chi or stretching exercises.

Signs Of Severe Arthritis

Arthritis describes a range of different conditions but there are two main types of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most damaging form of arthritis. It affects the immune system and requires special medical supervision. Osteoarthritis is when the cushioning between bones (cartilage) wears out, resulting in pain due to bones scraping together.

Seriously debilitating arthritis can lead to permanent joint changes which may mean you have difficulty climbing stairs, washing or dressing. So, before it develops to this stage, look out for signs of the more serious forms of the disease.

Symptoms depend on your overall health condition, but are likely to include worsening stiffness, pain, redness, swelling, and difficult moving.

Painkillers

Another important weapon in the fight against the most painful and severe forms of arthritis is medication. Painkillers can offer temporary respite from shooting pains, but you should not self-medicate. Talk to your doctor as longer-term use of painkillers may have damaging side effects.

While medication has a role in the management of arthritis, there is no magic bullet.

Combating severe arthritis involves talking to your doctor and getting a tailored balance of medication and physical therapy.

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.