Things You'll Need:
- Medication Heat pad Cold pack
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Step 1
Take medications. A variety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available to prevent arthritis flareups and relieve pain. Take OTC anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen; or talk to your doctor about prescription steroids or antirheumatic drugs.
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Step 2
Reduce your weight. Being overweight or obese can stress the joints and increase pain. Decrease your body fat and maintain a healthy weight to relieve arthritis pain by reducing your calorie intake and eating a low-fat diet.
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Step 3
Get active. Being active improves joint mobility and reduces pain. Start a regular workout routine, and exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Ideal choices include biking, walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobics.
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Step 4
Apply a cold or heat pack. Cold and heat therapies are effective remedies for arthritis pain. Place a cold or heat pack on painful joints for 10- to 20-minute intervals to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
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Step 5
Experiment with alternative therapies. Take glucosamine supplements to slow the progression of arthritis and improve joint health. Also, acupuncture may effectively reduce pain associated with arthritis.
