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Bextra and Vioxx-- Tips for Arthritis Relief Without Them
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Their manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn them from the market.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.
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.
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.
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.