Expert recommends alternative approaches to living with arthritis

A prescription to buy Celebrex isn't the only thing that can help a person with arthritis. While the medication is important for reducing pain, other products can make life with the condition a little bit easier.

Dianna Malkowski, a physician assistant with the CareGiver Network, said that in addition to taking medications, arthritis sufferers should consider braces to reduce swelling, hot and cold packs and reaching devices to eliminate the need for stooping over, which may aggravate the condition.

"Your doctor may prescribe any combination of rest, heat therapy, physical therapy, prescription medications, supplements or weight loss," she said.

Additionally, Malkowski recommended that individuals keep a journal of their daily symptoms. This may help doctors understand the patient's condition and enable them to make more relevant recommendations for alternative treatments.

Incorporating some of these other approaches to well-being into a care routine may help individuals significantly improve their condition. Malkowski's recommendations underscore the point that there are many proactive steps individuals with arthritis can take to minimize the impact of pain on their life.