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One of the strangest things about fibromyalgia is the relationship between it and different kinds of autoimmune disease. We know that having fibromyalgia makes you significantly more likely to develop autoimmune diseases like arthritis. And if you’re suffering from arthritis along with fibromyalgia, you might have discovered that finding a good way to treat it is fairly difficult. That’s why many people are turning to Voltaren Gel.
Voltaren gel is a type of medication that you rub directly on the skin to fight inflammation. And many people have reported that it’s an effective way to treat the pain of arthritis. So, what exactly is the relationship between fibromyalgia and arthritis? What is Voltaren Gel? And is it effective for treating arthritis?
Fibromyalgia And Arthritis
We don’t know that much about fibromyalgia, including what causes it. But there definitely seems to be a relationship between the condition and autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is a condition where the body’s immune system starts to attack your body’s own tissue. That’s what causes rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system begins to attack the tissue lining the joints, which results in painful inflammation.
And there are a lot of possible reasons that someone would develop one. Things like genetics, lifestyle, and other conditions can all affect the immune system.
Many people have speculated that the close link between autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia might mean that fibromyalgia itself is an autoimmune condition, but the evidence doesn’t seem to support that theory. Fibromyalgia doesn’t cause the type of widespread inflammation that most autoimmune conditions do. And people with fibromyalgia don’t have elevated levels of antibodies in the blood, which are a major sign of autoimmune conditions.
Instead, a better explanation of the relationship might be stress. We know that chronic mental stress makes you significantly more likely to develop an autoimmune condition. And the stress of fibromyalgia may be the reason that people who suffer from it seem to develop autoimmune conditions. Either way, when you suffer from arthritis related to fibromyalgia, you probably want to find a way to treat it. And that’s where Voltaren Gel comes in.
Voltaren Gel
Voltaren Gel, as the name suggests, is a topical medication that you rub onto the affected areas. Its active ingredient is a form of NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This type of drug works by blocking the production of a specific enzyme that triggers inflammation in the tissue.
And the gel is effective in treating mild pain in the joints of the hands, fingers, or knees. So for forms of arthritis that cause mild pain in these joints, the gel can be an effective treatment option. It can help not only with the pain but can also help reduce the inflammation that gradually destroys the joints.
The benefit of this medication is that it can be used directly on the affected joints. So, unlike oral medications, which have to fight inflammation across the entire body from the bloodstream, this gel allows you to focus the medication where you need it.
But it’s not for everyone.
There are a number of risks associated with this medication. If you are allergic to other forms of NSAIDs, like aspirin, you should not take Voltaren. It can trigger a potentially fatal allergic reaction. In addition, if you are using it as a long-term means of treatment, it can increase the odds of a heart attack. So, if you already suffer from cardiovascular problems, you will have a higher risk of suffering from a fatal heart attack.
Finally, like most NSAIDs, Voltaren can increase the risk of dangerous stomach bleeding. It’s best to discuss the risks of any medication with your doctor and inform them if you have any family history of these conditions.
It’s also important to get the dosage right. Voltaren can be dangerous in high doses, and as with any topical medication, it carries risks that oral medications don’t. Since you have it on your hands after use, you should be careful about what you touch after using it. Don’t rub any in your eyes or on open cuts, as these actions can increase the amount of the medication you’re absorbing. And avoid touching children or infants, as they can absorb the medication through the skin as well.
Finally, using the medication under a bandage or exposing it to excessive heat can cause your body to absorb more of it as well, which can be dangerous. Always follow the doctor’s instructions exactly.
So, do you use Voltaren? Does it work for your arthritis? Let us know in the comments.
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