New (Age) Methods of Beating Arthritis Pain

Those aches and pains we tend to feel as we get older is our body's way of telling us something is wrong. Question is - how do you work past the pain? Many of us experience what can only be termed as "non-chronic" arthritis in our hips and knees: pain that is uncomfortable, yet not so unbearable as to rob us of our mobility. Being "kind and considerate" to your joints is one way of taking control of the discomfort that is trying to take control of you:seat cushions, and taking steps one-at-a-time certainly help. But unfortunately, you can't kill the pain in your joints with kindness alone, so it may be time to consider a few new-fangled (and in some ways "old-fashioned") pain-relief solutions. If you suffer from arthritis, you have other options available to you to help ease the pain. Try one or try them all and you may surprised how quick those aches and pains head south for the winter.

- Heating Pads and Cold
Who'd have thought that something so simple could be so effective. Heating pads and ice packs are cheap, readily available options for arthritis pain. A good rule of thumb is to use heat BEFORE exercise as a way of relaxing the muscles and use ice AFTERWARDS in order to reduce pain and swelling. Some medical experts disagree with these "before and after" rules. According to one study conducted at the University of Missouri, for patients without chronic arthritis who are not dealng with acute injury or inflamation, the decision to use heat or cold is a personal preference. One thing to keep in mind: when applying heat, the treatment should be "soothing" and not scalding or uncomfortably hot. When using ice - remember that it should never be applied directly to the skin. A bag of crushed ice or - believe it or not - a bag of frozen mixed vegetablescovere with a moist rag is more than sufficient. And never use heat or cold for more than 20 minutes at a time.