There are many ways of applying heat, and the exact method used will depend upon the area involved, the available facilities and the stage of the disease.  There are several types of heat therapy - dry heat, wet heat, and use of counter-irritants.  Usually, heat is applied for 20 minutes a day. 

Drug therapies are also an important part of controlling your arthritis. There are many different drug therapies available. Your doctors will prescribe medications that target your particular symptoms. One of the most commonly prescribed drug medications is known as paracetamol. This medication targets pain management, and it is most commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis patients. NSAIDs are popular class of drugs that are also commonly used to treat some forms of arthritis. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to reduce inflammation, and are usually prescribed to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A newer group of NSAID drugs are known as Cox-2 inhibitors. Cox-2 inhibitor drugs have become a very popular choice for many arthritis patients. Some popular brand name Cox-2 drugs include the drugs Vioxx, Celebrex, and Mobic. Some patients are wary about taking Cox-2 drugs because they have been linked to a higher risk for heart disease. One study indicated that patients who take high doses of some Cox-2 drugs might be at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Some countries now require that doctors prescribe low doses of Cox-2 drugs to their patients.

Before taking any medication or pursing any treatment option for controlling your arthritis, your doctor or rheumatologist will have to take into consideration any health risks or factors that you may have. Your doctor will also have to monitor your treatment to make sure it is having the desired effects and that no adverse side effects are present.

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and chances are if you have been diagnosed with one of these, you know the pain of living with stiff joints and pained muscles. Each form of arthritis not only vary in severity but in the type of treatment required.  A treatment suited for one type of arthritis may be useless or even harmful in another type. 

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