5 Proven Strategies For Relieving Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a group of degenerative disorders that cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and immobility. It may involve single or multiple joints of the body. It is a chronic disorder with no definite cure as of yet. Arthritis has been classified into more than 100 different types. However, there are three common types of arthritis – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the wearing and tearing of joints which most commonly occurs in people over the age of 60. It happens as the cartilage in the joints deteriorates as a person ages.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where joints are attacked by the body’s protective cells.
Gouty arthritis occurs when high levels of uric acid crystals are found in the body. It sometimes mimics RA as it also causes inflammation in the joints.
Whatever the type of arthritis, ankle pain, and inflammation are common. The pain of arthritis can compromise the quality of life due to limitations of mobility and a constant phase of agonizing pain.
Although there is no cure for arthritis, the pain and other symptoms can be managed. The meticulous control of pain is the top priority in arthritis to ensure you can live an everyday, joyful life. Here are five proven ways to manage arthritis effectively:
Thorough education about arthritis pain: If someone has been diagnosed with arthritis in any form, they must understand that this is something they will live with for the rest of their life. It is crucial to stay informed about the possible triggers, flares, and complications of arthritis. You must also understand the effects of your diet, work, and other relevant factors on your pain. Avoiding that causative agent is imperative if something is causing, worsening, or initiating your pain.
Similarly, there will be some factors proving helpful to relieve the pain and improve your symptoms; adhering to them in your day-to-day life is essential. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor so that you can get your questions answered about the process of the disease. The more you know about your body’s responses, the easier it is to manage the symptoms and control the pain. Maintaining your health with the knowledge that you gain about arthritis will decrease your hospital visits and financial burden and will culminate in a pain-free life.
Shed your extra pounds to ease the pressure on your joints: Obesity is the first and foremost important factor in triggering and complicating the pain caused by arthritis. Excessive weight puts abundant stress on the joints, increasing the pain and speeding up the process of wear and tear. In addition, obesity disturbs the hormonal balance and negatively impacts significant body systems, delaying the healing process. Fat is also a pro-inflammatory substance, so reducing your weight helps to manage and avoid the pain of arthritis.
Exercise is a simple and healthier way to relieve arthritis pain: Most of us tend to give up exercise and related activities when diagnosed with arthritis. It is a common perception that exercise will aggravate arthritis pain instead of controlling it. Studies have shown that being active is an essential way of relieving arthritis pain. It helps maintain joint mobility by keeping them in their optimum shape and position. Exercise has overall health effects on the body by strengthening the muscles, improving blood supply, and releasing beneficial hormones. It also aids in losing weight, getting good sleep, and acquiring the support of stronger muscles around the joints; these factors relieve arthritis pain. There is no need to go for vigorous weightlifting and such stuff. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are some examples of best-fitted exercises in case of arthritis pain. You can choose your physical activity based on your interests but consult your physician first.
Massage is the best instant comfort for arthritis pain: According to recent studies, massages should be used as an effective treatment for relieving arthritis pain. Massages are a method of arthritis relief that is extensively accepted by most people as this method can provide instant pain relief. A massage relaxes the muscles and keeps your joints at an optimum level. Although it is not a primary method for relieving severe pain, it is an excellent means to alleviate pain caused by mild cases of arthritis. In addition to pain relief, massages can also help to improve the associated symptoms. It improves sleep, reduces anxiety, and fastens the recovery time. The benefits of massage in pain relief are the result of improved body circulation and relaxation of a group of muscles. These combined effects lead to a broader range of motion, decreased pain, and quick recovery.
A healthy diet and wise medicine are the mainstay of relieving arthritis pain: Healthy dietary habits are vital to managing any disease. People with arthritis should know about the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods to eat. Calcium, Vitamin D, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for better joint health and relieving arthritis pain. Hence, it should be supplemented into the routine diet of a person with arthritis pain. In addition, foods with established anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric, should also be part of dishes. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are given as first-line pain relief in case of acute pain. In case of advanced disease, DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs like methotrexate), biological response modifiers (like etanercept, infliximab), and corticosteroids like prednisone are given to relieve arthritis pain under the supervision of a doctor.
In addition to these proven methods, acupuncture, chiropractic, hot and cold therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), yoga, and tai chi are some other beneficial ways of relieving arthritis pain. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical professionals, and we’ll help you find the right exercises and foods to help you feel your best, no matter what temperature it is outside.
Call us in Houston at (346) 888-5237 to make an appointment, or use the form on our site to send our pain management doctor a message.