Arthritis pain can be incredibly debilitating. If you're dealing with this type of pain on a regular basis, then it is a smart idea to make an appointment with your doctor, who can properly diagnose you and recommend the necessary treatment. However, it may be a week or even a few weeks before the doctor can fit you in. Here are some ways you can manage the arthritis pain in the meantime.

Heat Treatment

You might be used to using ice to alleviate pain, but all that will do in the case of arthritis is make your joints stiffer. With arthritis, it is better to apply heat to your sore joints. This helps ease tension in the muscles and loosen the ligaments and tendons. You can hold a warm washcloth against the sore joint, or you can place a heating pad on it. Once you are able to move the joint more freely after heat treatment, the pain should subside further as the movement will encourage inflammation to subside — and with a reduction in inflammation comes a reduction in pain. 

Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin cream is a topical treatment that you can find at most pharmacies. It is typically marketed as a treatment for arthritis and general joint soreness. The active ingredient, capsaicin, is actually the chemical found in hot peppers that makes them taste "hot." Capsaicin cream will ease the pain in your joints in a similar manner to actual heat treatments, but it is easier to apply when you're on-the-go. Just apply it generously, and then remember to wash your hands so you don't accidentally touch your eyes.

Massage

Many people overlook massage as a treatment for arthritis pain since massage addresses problems with the muscles. However, by loosening the muscle, massage decreases inflammation and reduces joint pain. Massage can also make you more comfortable being active, and that activity, as long as it is gentle, is really good for arthritis pain.

You do not need to make an appointment with a massage therapist, although you certainly can. Massaging around the sore joint yourself is certainly good enough — or you can ask your partner or a friend to do this for you if you can't reach.

Hopefully, you are able to get in to see your doctor for arthritis pain soon. In the meantime, manage your pain with the remedies above. They're safe, effective, and pretty easy to implement.

For more information on arthritis pain management, reach out to a medical health professional near you.