Unproven Remedies for Arthritis.

Last updated Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Before trying an unproven remedy

How can people with arthritis respond to social pressure to try new treatments?

Many well-meaning family members and friends can pressure you to try an unproven remedy. They often urge you to try a remedy that they heard about from another person. We all tend to believe what others tell us about their personal experience.

You can respond to such pressure by thanking the person for their concern. Suggest that you will ask your doctor about their recommendation.

What should a person with arthritis do before trying an unproven remedy?

1. Check with your doctor to find out what is known about the effects and safety of the remedy.
2. Let your doctor know what you are thinking about trying. Don't be embarrassed. Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you look carefully at how safe a remedy may be for you to try in addition to your regular treatment.
3. Continue your regular medical care for arthritis.

What are some proven treatment plans for arthritis?

There are many effective and safe ways to control the pain and loss of motion from arthritis. Your doctor will select a plan of treatment most likely to work for you and your type of arthritis. Your care may involve more than one kind of treatment. The kinds of treatments you use may also change over time and for different types of arthritis. Treatments may involve one or more of the following:

• rest/relaxation
• exercise
• use of heat and cold
• joint protection
• self help aids
• medications
• surgery

You play the most important role in your own care. You make your own health care decisions every day. As a consumer of health care and a key member of your health care team, ask questions. Judge for yourself the effects and safety of any new treatment for arthritis before you try it. You can ask your doctor for more information on any treatment for arthritis.

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