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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to arthritis

The first thing to be aware of with any arthritic pain relief treatment is that you are simply 'relieving' the pain, and not actually treating or curing the underlying cause of that pain. The arthritis condition may be, and in most cases probably is, worsening in spite of the pain relief being administered. That said, in the absence of a cure for arthritis having being discovered as yet, pain relief is the only viable option for the millions of people inflicted with this cruel disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by matching a specific pattern of symptoms with a certain laboratory result. After the diagnosis, treatment would be recommended to the patient.

Today, the most common means of treating RA is through medical treatment that is categorized into two types of drugs that include drugs that are "anti-inflammatory" that only relieve the symptoms of the disease but does not affect its progression, and drugs that belong to the "disease-modifying antirheumatic" or DMARDs group that greatly affects RA itself.

Antioxidant arthritis treatment

Taking an antioxidant supplement is the most important thing you can do for your health, especially if you need arthritis treatment. Scientists now agree that all the symptoms we normally associate with aging, as well as just about every disease you can think of (including arthritis) is due to the additive effects of free radical damage to our cells.

Free radicals are highly reactive, damaging, microscopic particles that are constantly being produced in our environment (and our own bodies). Antioxidants change them into harmless molecules, so if you build up a good store of them by taking antioxidant supplements, the damage will be minimized.

Acupuncture arthritis treatment

One therapy not discussed much in the treatment for arthritis is acupuncture. Acupuncture is basically inserting small needles into the skin in order to relieve various pains and symptoms. A study in 2004 showed that acupuncture can be of benefit to arthritis sufferers. The study was searching for evidence of acupuncture reducing the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

Arthritis is a painful and frustrating diagnosis for many in our society today. Odds are, the doctors say, that if your mother had arthritis, then of course you will also. However, a simple technique of tapping acupuncture points, called EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, can relieve arthritis pain and swelling for many.