10 ways to
reduce arthritis pain
Is it a
degenerative condition, which means the symptoms tend to worsen over time, or
is it an autoimmune type of arthritis with associated extra-articular symptoms,
characterized by inflammatory flares and a chronic clinical course?
These two
types of arthritis include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
OA mainly results when wear and tear of cartilage causes
bones to rub together, leading to friction, damage, and inflammation.
RA is a systemic condition that triggers symptoms
throughout the body. It’s an autoimmune disease and happens when the immune
system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.
- Weight management
Maintaining a healthy
weight can help alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and
hips.
Reducing the stress on your joints by losing weight can help:
- · Improve
your mobility
- ·
Decrease pain
- · Prevent future damage to your joints
- Medication
Anxiety, stress, and depression are all common complications
of conditions that involve chronic pain, such as arthritis.
If you take prescription drugs for arthritis, it goes without saying they won't
work unless you take them as directed by your healthcare provider. Of course,
it's only human to miss a once in a while, but as long as you get back on track
right away, this should not be a problem. Heat and cold therapy: Applying a
heating pad or warm towel to the affected area can help soothe stiff joints and
reduce pain. Cold therapy, such as ice packs or cold compresses, can help numb
the area and reduce inflammation.
- Exercise
Exercise offers other benefits that can improve the quality
of life for people with arthritis:
·
Strengthens
bones
·
Improve
joint flexibility
·
Boosts
energy
·
Improves
sleep
·
Helps
with weight loss
·
Improves
overall wellness
Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling are
generally recommended.
- Assistive devices
Utilizing assistive
devices like:
·
canes
·
braces
·
splints
can provide support to the affected joints and help reduce
pain. These devices can improve:
·
Mobility
·
Reduce
strain on the joint
- Physical therapy
Working with a
physical therapist can help develop an exercise plan tailored to your needs and
condition. They can teach you specific exercises to strengthen muscles, improve
range of motion, and reduce pain.
- Massage and relaxation
techniques
Massage can provide an overall sense of well-being. It may
also help manage joint pain and discomfort.
The ACR/AF do not currently recommend massage as a treatment,
as they say, there’s not enough evidence to confirm that it works.
They add, however, that massage is unlikely to pose a risk
and may provide indirect benefits, such as reducing stress.
Ask your doctor to recommend a massage therapist who has experience in treating
people with arthritis. Alternatively, you could ask a physical therapist to
teach you self-massage.
Relaxation techniques such as:
·
Deep
breathing exercises
·
Meditation
·
yoga
can also help manage
arthritis pain by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Dietary changes
A diet that’s rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
can help boost your immune system and your overall health. There’s some
evidence that dietary choices can affect people with both RA and OA.
·
Add
turmeric to your dishes
Turmeric, the yellow spice common in
Indian dishes, contains a chemical called curcumin. It has antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests it may help reduce arthritis
pain and inflammation.
To reduce arthritis pain,
you should avoid:
·
Processed
food
·
Red
meat
·
Foods
high in saturated fats
8.
Alternative
therapies
Complementary and alternative
therapies like:
·
acupuncture
·
herbal
supplements
·
transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
may provide pain relief for some
individuals. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional
before trying any alternative therapies.
Using techniques to protect your joints can
help reduce pain and prevent further damage. This includes:
·
Maintaining good posture
·
Using ergonomic tools
·
Practicing joint-friendly movements when performing daily activities.
Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and
inflammation.
- Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm
shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric
blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
- Cold treatments can help relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it
to painful joints for quick relief. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
- Capsaicin, which comes from chili
peppers, is a component of some topical ointments and creams that you can
buy over the counter. These products provide warmth that can soothe joint
pain.
Remember, these tips may provide some relief, but it's
essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a
comprehensive treatment plan that suits your specific needs and condition.
Recommended product to get rid of arthritis pain
1. Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength Tablets, White, 200 Count (Pack of 2
2. Advanced Joint Support Supplement for Knees & Hips w/Hyaluronic Acid Turmeric Curcumin MSM Supplement Capsules (Non-GMO)
Recommended product to get rid of arthritis pain
ReplyDelete1. Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength Tablets, White, 200 Count (Pack of 2
https://amzn.to/3KcfDBB
2. Advanced Joint Support Supplement for Knees & Hips w/Hyaluronic Acid Turmeric Curcumin MSM Supplement Capsules (Non-GMO)
https://amzn.to/3O4ninz