However, many things can be done to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday life. The key is early diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to the needs of each individual. Most treatment programs include a combination of medication, exercise, rest use of heat and cold, joint protection techniques, and sometimes surgery. Aspirin is the most common and effective drug to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in arthritis. Warm baths, hot packs, heat lamps, and application of hot paraffin are also helpful in reducing joint pain.
Exercise is very important to the arthritic, as it helps keep the joints from stiffening.
Whenever the joints become tired, the patient should rest. In most cases, the physician can prescribe exercises that the person can perform by himself, but the person with an advanced case may need help with exercising. Contact your physician or physical therapist for some excellent material on exercises for arthritis. Arthritis sufferers can still strengthen their joints by placing light loads on the joints rather than massive weight lifting. The key to appropriate weight lifting is understanding what amounts your joints can tolerate.