Bextra and Vioxx -- Tips for Arthritis Relief Without Them
By: Charles Essmeier
The recent withdrawal of Vioxx and Bextra from the marketplace, due to concerns
over unwanted side effects, has many arthritis sufferers concerned. These drugs,
which belong to a powerful class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known
as COX-2 inhibitors, are quite effective at fighting the pain and inflammation
of arthritis. Unfortunately, they have been linked to increased risk of strokes
and heart attacks. Their manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn them from the
market.
There are still alternative medications available, such as Celebrex, and
traditional medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen may
not be suitable for everyone, as they can cause stomach discomfort in some
people. While a good anti-inflammatory can certainly provide more comfort for
arthritis pain, there are some non-medicinal steps that patients can take that
may provide some relief from their pain.
Get plenty of rest. Your body works best when it’s well-rested, and it’s a
well-known fact that most Americans fail to get the recommended seven to eight
hours of sleep each night.
Exercise. Joints and muscles work best when they’re well toned, and that is true
for arthritis sufferers as well as the public at large. Not all exercises will
be appropriate, however. A patient with arthritic knees will probably not
benefit from playing basketball or tennis. Low impact exercise like walking or
water aerobics may help, however. Patients with arthritis are advised to discuss
exercise options with their physician.
Watch your weight. Arthritic joints work best when they aren’t overly burdened.
If you are overweight, you are making a bad situation worse by forcing your
joints to work harder than they otherwise might. A loss of just a few pounds
could make a huge difference, especially if you suffer from arthritic knees.
These tips are certainly not intended to be a substitute for medication, but
with a chronic condition like arthritis, every little bit that you can do to
ease the stress on your aching joints can provide a bit more relief.
