- Ask your doctor about Bextra and Vioxx, two drug alternatives to Celebrex. Both are designed to reduce pain of arthritis and stiffness associated with swelling and inflammation of arthritic joints. Both help increase mobility and range of motion, when combined with gentle daily exercise like stretching. Vioxx and Bextra are considered anti-inflammatory drugs that are also known as NSAIDs. Vioxx is an older drug, but all three--Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra--have been associated with increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.
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Try Ayurveda, a type of holistic medicine, for relief of arthritis pain. The Ayurveda approach contends that pain from arthritis can be relieved through diet and herbal treatments. Stiff and swollen joints, joints that crack or pop, and joints that swell with inflammation may be treated with a variety of herbs such as sandlewood, eucalyptus, and aloe and saffron, whose oils can be rubbed into the skin for relief, or taken as supplements in capsule form. Ice packs or heat can be applied to swollen or inflamed joints for relief as well.
Homeopathic and herbal remedies may include ginger, Belladonna, Nettle, Cat's Claw and Butcher's Broom, all of which may be purchased at your local health or vitamin store. Follow instructions regarding number of tablets or capsules to take on a daily basis depending on dosage strength. Some of these herbs may also be purchases as oils, which are then rubbed onto the arthritic joint for relief. - Try massage or acupuncture for relief of pain caused by arthritis, and to stimulate nerves and muscles that increase range of motion and mobility in joints. Gentle exercise may also increase mobility and prevent joints from stiffening. Individuals diagnosed with arthritis should take a few minutes every morning perform gentle stretching exercises to help relieve nighttime stiffness and pain.
