Ice Bath Weight Loss Rheumatoid Diseases - Short-Term and Long-Term Relief.
There is really no available cure for rheumatoid diseases, except for infectious rheumatoid arthritis that can be cured with antibiotics if diagnosed or detected early. However, there are treatments given with goal of limiting the inflammation and pain, while ensuring that the joints are still functioning at the most optimum level. Each treatment plan is specifically tailored to the specific type of rheumatoid disease and its severity and should involve both short and long-term relief approaches, such as:
Short-term relief:
o Heat and Cold
One of the short-term relief approaches is the use of hot or cold applications. These are applied on affected joints depending on the type of rheumatoid disease present as well as on the physician's recommendation. Short-term relief for pain may be temporarily obtained by using moist heat (warm shower or bath) or dry heat using heating pad on the affected joints. It is also advisable to use towel-wrapped ice pack on the joints as cold applications help reduce the swelling of the joints. However, those with poor blood circulation are not advised to use ice packs. It is highly recommended that you first consult your doctor regarding the type of application before use.
o Medications
Short-term relief for inflammation and pain may also include the use of pain relievers including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Again, ask your physician for more information.
o Massage
The light kneading and/or stroking of painful muscles and joints may help increase the blood flow and warm the muscles.
o Joint Immobilization
The use of brace or splint can help joints to rest and protect them from further injury. Available walking devices like crutches, canes, and assistive devices with longer or larger handles can help protect certain joints from being stressed.
Long-Term Relief
o Medications
There are different types of medications your physician may give you for a long-term reduction of pain and symptoms. Some of these are:
~ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
~ Anti-rheumatic disease-modifying medications
~ and Corticosteroids.
o Weight Reduction
Extra weight is never good particularly for those diagnosed with any type of rheumatoid disease. Extra weight places more stress on different weight-bearing joints, like the knees and the hips. Weight loss and constant diet in overweight people are proven to reduce the chances and risks of developing certain types of rheumatoid diseases, like osteoarthritis.
o Exercise
Certain exercises, like walking, swimming, range-of-motion exercises, and low-impact exercises may help reduce stiffness and joint pain. It is also advisable to do regularly perform stretching exercises to keep the joints flexible.
o Surgery
In severe cases of rheumatoid diseases, surgery may be required by a physician for joint repair or replacement. Joint repair surgery is done to repair damaged joint, remove debris in the joints, fuse bones, or to correct a bone deformity. However, if the damage is too serious, the joints may be needed to be replaced with an artificial one.
If you are diagnosed with any type of rheumatoid disease, it's better to ask your physician for a treatment plan specifically for the type of rheumatoid disease you have. This will prevent that disease from becoming too serious for any short-term and long-term relief approaches to handle.
Ice Bath Weight Loss.