Arthritis; just by merely mentioning the word, all of us are able to visualise a rocking chair along with a slowed down life. The condition throws big rocks at your active life, especially when it comes to lower back and knee pain. But for millions of people who’re living with this condition, this doesn’t have to be the reality. In this blog, you will learn about some powerful tools through which anyone can effectively manage pain and triumph over arthritis. We will talk about arthritis pain management, physical therapy for arthritis etc.
Understanding Arthritis: Types of Arthritis
For those who don’t know, Arthritis is a broad term that includes over a 100 types of joint diseases or conditions. Two of the commonly found arthritis types are- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA): This condition arises when the cartilage that covers the end of the bone to prevent excessive friction, wears down with time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): It’s an autoimmune disorder where the synovium (a membrane that surrounds the joint) is attacked by the immune system, leading to inflammation.
Commonly Seen Symptoms of Arthritis
We know pain is one of the most common symptoms of Arthritis, but here are some of the other symptoms that are observed in people who suffer from this condition-
- Stiffness, specially when you’re not participating in any activity that involves movement
- Decrease in the range of motion
- Grinding sensation in the knees
- Back pain that radiates to the leg
- Persistent pain the joints
- Swelling near the joints
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Potent Solutions for Pain Management
Build your defence against arthritis with these powerful pain management techniques. These strategies can prove to be beneficial to combat knee and back pain issues as well-
- Strength Training: When you build strong muscles around with the help of strength training, especially around the glutes, and the core, you feel more stable. It will also reduce the excessive stress from your knees as well.
- Managing Body Weight: Extra weight puts extra stress on your knees and other joints as well. Consider losing a small amount of weight to reduce the stress from your joints.
- Stay Active: Staying active is key to effective recovery and pain management. Incorporating low impact activities can enhance your pain management to a greater extent. Incorporate stretching for arthritis relief in your activity routine.
Check out this blog on the role of physical therapy in pain management to know more about how you can lead your pain management journey effectively.
Available Medical Treatment For Arthritis
To manage arthritis, you may need a multi-faceted approach to curb the discomfort caused. Here are some of the commonly recommended medical treatments for arthritis pain management.
- NSAIDs: medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused, significantly.
- Corticosteroids: they are generally recommended when an increased inflammation is observed around the joints. They are either administered orally or through injection shots directly on the knees.
- DMARDs: Primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, the Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) slow the progression of arthritis.
- Analgesics: they are used primarily to treat mild to moderate pain, one of the most commonly used analgesics is acetaminophen.
Physical Therapy For Arthritis
It is not an unknown fact that physical therapy can help curb the discomfort caused by arthritis, some of the most widely recommended physical therapy exercises for arthritis pain management are mentioned here-
- Strengthening exercises for Arthritis: the target of these exercises is to build the muscles around your joints to increase stability in your joints. Some of the common strengthening exercises for arthritis include- chair stands, knee raises, etc.
- Flexibility Exercises for Arthritis: Stretching routine helps maintain and improve the range of motion of the joints. Some of the common flexibility exercises include- arm circles, knee raises, etc.
- Balance Training: Preventing falls and injury is a crucial aspect for managing arthritis, try yoga and other exercises like standing leg lifts to treat Arthritis.
Dietary Choices to Manage Arthritis Well
What you eat can significantly impact your arthritis. Here’s are some of the food you must consider for optimal joint health:
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Try eating more vegetables, fruits rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and whole grains to combat inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Good news for pescatarians, eating fishes like tuna, salmon, etc will provide your body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Avoid Food that causes Inflammation: Avoid added sugar, red meats, and processed foods as they lead to inflammation.
- Home Remedies: consuming foods like ginger, turmeric, etc.; foods that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties can be a good way to cope with arthritis.
Cope with Arthritis Mentally
Living with arthritis can be challenging both mentally and physically. Developing effective coping strategies can help an individual maintain a positive outlook throughout their journey.
- Stress Management: Experiencing stress can be stressful and it can further exacerbate pain. Participating in activities like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress more efficiently.
- Self-Motivation: Self-motivation is the key to effective rehabilitation. Practise setting realistic goals for yourself, track your progress, and educate yourself about the condition to stay motivated.
Lifestyle Modifications for Lasting Relief
Making small changes in your day-to-day routine can have a lasting effect on your joints’ health. Here are some of the lifestyle changes that you can consider to manage arthritis better-
- Ergonomics: Consider investing in an ergonomic chair, supportive mattress, and appropriate footwear to keep discomfort at bay.
- Heat and Ice: You can apply heat on the joints that are stiff and ice on the painful joints.
- You Body Talks: Avoid pushing through pain, take breaks and pace yourself while doing an activity.
Remember you are not alone in this, with relevant knowledge and support you can navigate your way out of the discomfort caused by arthritis. Don’t let pain take control of life, take charge and face the challenge head on. You can check out this blog on how to maintain mobility as you age to know more about age related mobility issues.
To conclude
Now that we have learned how to navigate the complexities of arthritis and arthritis pain management, it is also important to understand that you must work closely with a healthcare expert to navigate this condition better. Granimals offers personalised online physiotherapy sessions for individuals who are suffering from chronic pain. Click on this link to book your first consultation today!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1- Can diet affect arthritis?
A1- Yes, by consuming certain foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, you have manage arthritis better.
Q2-Can alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage really help with arthritis pain?
A2- Scientific evidence may vary but it has been observed that many people find relief with alternative therapies in managing arthritis pain.
