Having A Consistently Negative Outlook
When youre hurting, its easy to think the pain is permanent and theres nothing you can do. That mindset, however, may actually make your pain worse and last longer. An important part of your treatment plan is your own outlook on life. Talk to your doctor if youre feeling frustrated. They may have ideas about how to cope or refer you to someone who can help. These tips from mental health experts on coping with chronic illness are also a good place to start.
Are There Guidelines About The Use Of Cbd For Chronic Arthritis Pain
Until recently, little guidance has been available for people with arthritis pain who were interested in CBD treatment. Depending on availability and interest, patients and their doctors had to decide on their own whether CBD was a reasonable option in each specific case. To a large degree thats still true, but some guidelines have been published. Heres one set of guidelines for people pursuing treatment with CBD that I find quite reasonable :
Dos:
- If considering a CBD product, choose one that has been independently tested for purity, potency, and safety for example, look for one that has received a Good Manufacturing Practices certification.
- CBD should be one part of an overall pain management plan that includes nonmedication options and psychological support.
- Choose an oral treatment and start with a low dose taken in the evening.
- Establish initial goals of treatment within a realistic period of time for example, a reduction in knee pain that allows you to walk around the block within two weeks of starting treatment later, if improved, the goals can be adjusted.
- Tell your doctor about your planned and current CBD treatment monitor your pain and adjust medications with your medical providers, rather than with nonmedical practitioners .
Donts:
Water For Arthritis Relief
There is no such thing as a magical elixir to drink to keep us healthy. But if there was, it would be water. Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, reducing inflammation, soothing damaged joints, regenerating damaged cells, and providing relief from pain. Adequate hydration levels can help keep your joints well lubricated and offer additional protection against damage. Unless you have an underlying condition that makes it necessary, most experts agree fancy waters with added minerals and electrolytes are a waste of money.
To learn more, give our pain management clinic a call and let our team of pain relief experts help you find the arthritis relief you need!
Read Also: What Is The Best Biologic For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How Much Borax Should I Take For Arthritis
Earth Clinic’s Ted recommends the following doses of borax:
- For Men: 1/4 teaspoon of borax dissolved in 1 liter of water, sipped throughout the day. This is taken 5 days on and 2 days off.
- For Women: 1/8 teaspoon of borax dissolved in 1 liter of water, sipped throughout the day. This is taken 5 days on and 2 days off.
This is a general guideline. Larger women may benefit from a larger dose. Smaller men may benefit from a smaller dose. The elderly may do best with half of the recommended dose.
To avoid the risk of side effects, start with less at first to make sure the remedy suits you. Because borax can kill off parasites and infection, it is possible it could make you feel ill. It can also cause digestive distress to some people. Cut back on your dose or discontinue using the remedy for a time. You will find more about the possible side effects of borax on this page.
Here’s How Caffeine Sugar And Alcohol Impact Your Arthritis
Understand how and why they worsen the inflammatory condition.
Arthritis can be a debilitating disease, and it affects a whopping 53 millions Americansthat’s 23 percent of all adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there is no one single cure for arthritis, many patients notice a direct correlation between the food they eat and the way their joints feel. In fact, the topic of diet and arthritis comes up frequently in Texas Orthopedics rheumatologist Robert Koval’s patient visits. “Some studies suggest over 25 percent of patients feel a direct correlation between arthritis pain and diet, while other studies show that diet and weight loss results in improved outcomes in diseases like psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis ,” he says. “High-fat and high-carbohydrate diets have also been linked to cartilage loss, while mediterranean diets have been linked to improved pain in all types of arthritis.”
Read Also: Is Malt Vinegar Good For Arthritis
The Role Of Coffee In Pain Management
Not only is coffee one of the most sought after, popular and enjoyable drinks on the planet, studies show that it has a significant role to play in pain management too. The role of caffeine in pain management has been receiving more attention in recent years and is currently a subject of interest and ongoing research in the medical profession.
Once the effects of coffee on pain have been fully understood it can be harnessed in even more ways to help people with a range of conditions both treat and manage their pain symptoms. Not only that, but there is mounting evidence to suggest that coffee may play an important role in reducing the risks of a range of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even Alzheimers.
The Mystery Of How Caffeine Helps Pain Remains
The question of how caffeine works to reduce pain or help pain relievers to relieve pain remains. The mechanisms are not well understood. In simple terms – caffeine blocks a person’s pain receptors.
Do you feel like gambling? Some studies have shown that low doses of caffeine might actually have the opposite effect. Caffeine, according to these studies, inhibits blocking pain receptors yet what does this information mean to you or me? It is possible that a cup of coffee or tea, or small amounts of other foods or beverages containing less than 100 mg of caffeine, might prevent other pain relievers from working! The same inhibitory effect of low doses of caffeine has been observed with electrical stimulation and acupuncture.
Still, researchers are not quite ready to state that people should avoid caffeine prior to using electrical stimulation to control pain, or before acupuncture treatment. Additional studies on the effects of different doses of caffeine are needed before any specific guidelines on caffeine use can be determined. It sounds like 4 cups or more might help, but more studies are needed.
Also Check: Can Massage Help Arthritis Pain
How Caffeine Works In The Body
The way caffeine functions on the body begins with its ingestion. While caffeine is a common ingredient in energy drinks, caffeine doesnt really give you more energy per se. What it does instead is block off natural neurotransmitters that help your body power down. In other words, it allows us to access energy thats already there, but gated off. If used irresponsibly, this can help contribute to a caffeine crash. We derive energy from glucose, which is used up by our cells in the production of ATP and won through our diet.
But as the day goes on, and our neurons continuously work their usual 16-hour shift, a neurotransmitter called adenosine is being continuously released into our system. Because neurons are cells, they possess receptors that pick up certain molecules that are shaped just right, in order to trigger different functions. Adenosine receptors pick up the free adenosine in our system, until enough of it is accumulated that the body begins to signal to us that its time to sleep.
Blocking adenosine is caffeines primary function in the body and brain, but this does more than just stop drowsiness. As our neurons no longer recognize adenosine during the period wherein caffeine is active in our system, they begin to speed up. Meanwhile, because adenosine also regulates vasodilation , our blood vessels begin to constrict, increasing blood pressure.
A Word About Arthritis Pain
Its worth emphasizing that there are more than 100 types of arthritis, and while pain is a cardinal feature of all of them, these conditions do not all act alike. And what works for one may not work for another. Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and stiffness and maintaining function for all types of arthritis. But for certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, conventional prescription medications are highly recommended, because these drugs help prevent permanent joint damage and worsening disability.
In addition, individuals experience pain and respond to treatment in different ways. As a result, its highly unlikely that there is a single CBD-containing product that works for all people with all types of arthritis.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Arthritis In Finger Joints
Nightshade Vegetables Cause Inflammation
Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers all contain the chemical solanine, which some blame for arthritis pain. However, the Arthritis Foundation say that there is no scientific evidence for this. Adding these nutritious vegetables to the diet can have many benefits for chronic health conditions.
Caffeine Can Help Reduce Joint And Other Pain
Synopsis: Information regarding the pain relief benefits of caffeine consumption and why caffeine is added to pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In humans, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Caffeine blocks receptors in the brain called, ‘adenosines,’ which in turn induce relaxation and activate dopamine chemicals associated with both pain relief and energy.
You May Like: What Does The Rash From Psoriatic Arthritis Look Like
Are There Downsides To Cbd Treatment
As with any treatment, there can be downsides. CBD is generally considered safe however, it can still cause lightheadedness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and rarely, liver problems. There may be uncertainty about the potency or purity of CBD products , and CBD can interact with other medications. For pregnant women, concern has been raised about a possible link between inhaled cannabis and lower-birthweight babies its not clear if this applies to CBD. Some pain specialists have concerns that CBD may upset the bodys natural system of pain regulation, leading to tolerance , though the potential for addiction is generally considered to be low.
There is one definite downside: cost. Prices range widely but CBD products arent inexpensive, and depending on dose, frequency, and formulation, the cost can be considerable I found one brand that was $120/month, and health insurance does not usually cover it.
Can Social Support Help Cancer Patients Going Through Treatment
Questions on #vitamind
Questions on #antioxidants
Questions on #vitamine
Also Check: What To Do For Arthritis In The Thumb
Use Hot And Cold Therapy
Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.
- Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
- Cold treatments can help relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful joints for quick relief. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
- Capsaicin, which comes from chili peppers, is a component of some topical ointments and creams that you can buy over the counter. These products provide warmth that can soothe joint pain.
The Impact Of Caffeine Tolerance
The habitual consumption of coffee will cause your body to build up a tolerance to caffeine so its pain-relieving effects will not be as apparent, therefore, to benefit from the pain-relieving effect of caffeine you would need to drink more than your body is used to.
Given that people build up a tolerance to caffeine, be aware that if you usually drink caffeine every day and then you stop suddenly, this can actually both cause and worsen muscle pain and headache. With this in mind, it is important to modulate your caffeine intake to help ensure that your body doesnt build up too much of a reliance on it so you can benefit from its pain relieving qualities.
You May Like: How To Combat Arthritis Pain
The Everyday Choices You Make Like How Active You Are And How You Handle Stress And Fatigue Affect Your Joints Heres How To Make Sure You Might Not Unknowingly Be Making Things Worse
You take your medications as prescribed. You see your doctor regularly and are good about sticking to your arthritis treatment plan all key steps to helping to ease symptoms and prevent disease progression. But the everyday choices you make like how active you are and how you handle stress and fatigue affect your joints, too. And sometimes, seemingly inconsequential habits may derail your good efforts. It helps to be aware, so you can make adjustments if needed. Here are some surprising habits that could be hurting your joints when you have arthritis:
Salmon Tuna Sardines And Mackerel
These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating a 3 to 4 ounce serving of these fish two or more times a week is recommended for protecting the heart and reducing inflammation.
While fresh fish can get pricey quickly, one tip to make it more affordable is by looking in the freezer section or buying canned sardines, salmon or tuna. Be sure to choose lower sodium options when purchasing canned items if you need to keep your sodium in check.
Read Also: Are Tomatoes Bad For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Joining Forces With Caffeine To Fight And Reduce Pain
Pain is a complex sense, generally understood to be a warning by the body that something isnt going the way it should be. At other times, pain can be chronic and debilitating, serving no positive purpose. Sometimes its a bit of both. While the boost in adrenaline can go a long way to help reduce pain, the main mechanism by which caffeine helps reduce pain is through its relationship with adenosine. As mentioned previously, caffeine leads to vasoconstriction.
This can help alleviate headache pain, which is why caffeine is often paired with acetaminophen for over-the-counter vascular headache relief. Because caffeine increases blood pressure, it also boosts the speed at which medicines become effective, making it a good pick to mix with other over-the-counter drugs. Not only does this mean your painkillers kick in faster, but they can also be more effective. Studies show that caffeine helps drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol be 5-10 percent more effective at relieving pain.
This Morning’s Dr Chris Gives Advice On Arthritis
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Arthritis pain affects over 10 million people in the UK.
Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Studies have shown that sufferers should think twice about their morning cup of coffee, as caffeine can weaken bones and exacerbate the joint pain associated with arthritis.
Caffeine leaches calcium from bones, sapping their strength, according to WebMD.
Don’t Miss: How Long Can You Take Aleve For Arthritis
What Exactly Is Caffeine
Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid and a stimulant drug. In humans, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. It is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug, but unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world. Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, enjoy great popularity. In North America, 90% of adults consume caffeine daily.
Not Asking For Help Or Support
Arthritis can be a lot. The pain and disability or loss of function can take a toll on your emotions, increase your levels of stress, and lead to depression or anxiety. A research review published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy suggests stress may trigger an RA flare. Though researchers are still trying to understand the connection between arthritis and stress, what we do know is that seeking support can improve how well you cope and manage your condition. Tell family members and friends how you are feeling, and how they can help when youre feeling particularly overwhelmed. Connect with others who have your same condition through a support group in your community or online . Talk to your doctor if you think you could have symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Recommended Reading: What Are The First Signs Of Psoriatic Arthritis
And The Side Of Fries Instead Of Veg
Researchers at Harvard found that after potato chips, potatoes may contribute to more weight gain per serving than any other food and French fries were by far the worst offenders. Extra weight can exacerbate inflammatory arthritis. Plus, it can put increased pressure on your joints particularly your knees, says Christopher Morris, MD a rheumatologist with Arthritis Associates in Kingsport, Tennessee. For every pound a person weighs, about five pounds of stress goes through the knees with every step, he explains. For a 250-pound person, that equates to nearly two-thirds of a ton of stress on the joint.
The good news is that weight loss really makes a difference, says Dr. Morris. For example, losing as little as 11 pounds can decrease the progression of knee OA by 50 percent. One way to shed pounds: eat tons of brightly colored veggies. Theyre low in calories, high in fiber , and provide nutrients that may help fight inflammation. Here are more tips for losing weight when you have arthritis.