Can a TENS Unit be used for Arthritis Pain Relief?

One of the most commonly asked questions about TENS treatments is whether or not they are effective for treating conditions like arthritis. To fully explore the answer to this question, there are several factors to consider. To discover how TENS units can be used with arthritic conditions, it is important to factor in the capabilities of a TENS unit as well as the specific type of arthritis being treated.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

A TENS unit aims to relieve pain by sending electrical currents that disrupt pain signals to the brain and to release endorphins that make the mind and body feel better through chemical means without using any prescription medication. The biggest draw of using a TENS unit for many users is that it is non-habit forming, so there is no risk of physical addiction to TENS products. Because TENS units function by directly interfering with the way the brain perceives pain, they are often found by users to be effective for numerous conditions, including arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis primarily affects those afflicted in one of two forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, occurs as a result of damage to the cartilage of the body’s joints over the years of movement and activity. As this type of damage is typically brought on by the repetitive motions of everyday life, this type of arthritis will affect a large fraction of the population. Rheumatoid arthritis is a bit different as it is actually linked to an issue with the immune system which causes the body to essentially target the joint capsule’s lining, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and the eventual destruction of the cartilage and bone. (Mayo Clinic)

Using a TENS Unit for Arthritis Relief

How to use a TENS Unit for arthritis pain relief will vary based on the location of the arthritic pain. Users who experience arthritic pain in their joints can place the electrode pads near the pain points and adjust the intensity to a comfortable level. Electrode placement will vary based on the exact target area. We recommend perusing our electrode placement guide to learn more about effective placement locations. However, many people who experience arthritic pain experience significant pain in areas that electrodes will have a hard time covering, namely, the fingers. Users looking to use a TENS unit for arthritis pain relief in the fingers will likely benefit the most from using a conductive glove or sock that is specifically designed for use with the hands or feet.

Is a TENS Unit Right for Your Arthritis Symptoms?

Though we are always here to answer any questions about our products and share our knowledge of how they have been used to combat various conditions, we must be clear that we are not medical professionals and cannot guarantee that TENS treatment will be right for everyone. To find out if a TENS Unit might be a good solution for arthritis pain relief for you, please consult your doctor. If it seems that a TENS Unit might be the solution for you, we recommend starting with a user-friendly TENS device with a fully digital interface, like the best-selling FDA Approved OMEGA TENS & EMS Combo Unit.