Inflammation can affect any part of the body. If you deal with inflammation caused by injury or a chronic illness, you’re likely interested in ways to ease discomfort and enjoy an active lifestyle. Symptoms of inflammation often include redness, tenderness, pain and stiffness. Fortunately, there are many treatment options and different ways to stop inflammation.
Instructions
1. Keep a pain journal. You may feel pain or stiffness after engaging in certain activities. If you're unable to pinpoint the cause of recurrent inflammation, make a pain journal and keep track of your daily activities. If a workout or a particular sport causes pain, wearing a brace may reduce stress and lower inflammation.
2. Apply heat or cold therapy. Heat and cold are both effective ways to stop inflammation. However, the most effective treatment depends on the type of inflammation. Heat is best for chronic inflammation caused by joint and muscle conditions; cold is best for inflammation caused by injury.
3. Treat pain with a natural supplement. Herbal products such as ginger and fish oil can reduce pain caused by inflammation. Both are a natural anti-inflammatory, and if taken regularly, they can produce the same effects as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
4. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. A quick and simple way to stop moderate inflammation is with OTC medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications include aspirin and ibuprofen.
5. Talk to your doctor about corticosteroids. Often, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications will be ineffective in treating inflammation caused by a chronic medical condition. In this instance, your doctor may recommend a cortisone injection or prescribe an oral steroid.
Tags: inflammation caused, anti-inflammatory medications, caused injury, inflammation caused injury, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, pain journal