Why you should be treating arthritis pain without the meds

Treating-arthritis-without-medicine

Osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis. Gout. Psoriatic arthritis. There are many different types of arthritis that could be making your movements painful. 

Arthritis is a catchall term used to describe more than 100 different kinds of joint pain and joint disease. The broadness of this category is likely one reason that more than 54 million Americans suffer from some type of arthritis. Arthritis medications and pain medicines are often the first line of defense against arthritis symptoms. However, they can cause some nasty side effects. If you’re looking for a treatment for arthritis that helps you go without medicines, consider using physical therapy.

Why you should be trying to treat arthritis pain without medications

There are many reasons that you should be trying to treat your arthritis pain without meds. One of the biggest reasons is that the meds used for arthritis often have serious side effects. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids or antirheumatic drugs. All these medications carry a risk of side effects. 

Some of the common side effects these medicines can cause are: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rashes
  • Dizziness

Taking meds to battle arthritis symptoms can also increase your risk of developing other serious health conditions. Many patients taking arthritis meds are at higher risk of: 

  • Blood clots
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Cataracts
  • Osteoporosis

Ready to improve your arthritis symptoms without taking more meds? Excel Sports & Physical Therapy is here to help you!

Physical therapy can be an effective option for treating arthritis symptoms without medication. One medical study reports that it helped hip osteoarthritis patients reduce their pain by more than 30% after 12 weeks. Our team at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy is committed to helping you get great results from your arthritis therapy. We’ll start by performing a free screening of your arthritic joint(s). This gives our team the chance to learn exactly how arthritis is affecting you. Next, our therapy specialists will design a personalized arthritis therapy plan to fit your specific needs. 

Things keeping you at home? No problem! Our team is currently offering virtual care and at-home therapy that can help you, and both services are intended to help you get high-quality therapy without even leaving your home.

Are you ready to start getting our help with your arthritis treatment? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a free screening.