Arthritis Pain Relief Methods: After Work and At Work

Joint Coverings
Many a wrist and knee has gone into an elastic bandage for a while to find relief. The wrapping could be an Ace bandage, an athletic ankle support, a Futuro Knee Thermo Comforter, a Barlow Knee Support, or any product that allows you to put gentle pressure on the affected joint Even Band-Aid strips will do, according to an insurance underwriter from Nebraska who found them just the right size for the small joints of her fingers and toes. Ace and other elastic bandages are reusable, up to a point. Keep a supply of several elastic bandages in good condition, with lots of stretch, and wash them by hand as needed. Some get an added measure of relief by applying a liniment before wrapping the joint.

Under your feet, you can get comfort from an arch support or cushion insert in your shoes. You can also use orthotics specially made for you by podiatrists or orthotists. Others shop for inserts at drug, shoe, or department stores, or shoe-repair shops.

Herbal Teas and Other Drinks
Hot caffeine-free drinks, especially herbal teas, are not only good-tasting and relaxing, but also help alleviate pain. Maybe it's more mental than physical, but these help, especially on rainy days. Even when the herbs have no noticeable effect on your pain level, you can enjoy sipping hot herb or spice tea, or hot chocolate, just for the warmth it brings from within.

Warning: Although herbal teas seem 'natural' and harmless, excessive quantities of herbs used medicinally can cause a variety of toxic effects.

Some people say they sometimes used a glass of wine, or a cocktail, or a 'good stiff drink' as a pain reliever.

Warning: Alcohol creates many other problems, as well, which are all too well known.

Hot Tub or Whirlpool
Many arthritis sufferers raved about plain baths, because most people have plain bathtubs, but those who owned whirlpools and hot tubs had the most to rave about. These mini-spas can combine the soothing comfort of soaking in a wide deep bathtub with the water-jet action of a shower massager. A few technical differences separate the whirlpool from the hot tub: A whirlpool is a tub of any size with a swirling current of water. A hot tub is also a bathtub with churning water, but it is usually made of wood, usually big enough for two or more, and has a heating element in it. A Jacuzzi could be either of these; it's really the name of the company that manufactures some of the most popular models.

This article talks about 'at-home' treatments, but you don't have to have a hot tab or whirlpool at home to enjoy its benefits. Some people might gladly make the trip to a health club or spa to use one.