Chronic pain from arthritis affects millions of people in the United States each year. Depending on the type of arthritis that affects you, the condition can refer to a number of diseases that involve joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis can affect one joint or multiple joints. Today, researchers recognize that there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatments. To learn about general ways you can reduce arthritis pain, continue reading.
What Are 3 Ways To Reduce Arthritis Pain?
- Incorporate More Physical Activity Into Your Routine
- Weight Management Can Be Helpful
- Eating Healthier Can Improve Your Symptoms
Physical Activity Minimizes Arthritis Pain
Physical activity is a simple and effective drug-free way to relieve arthritis pain. By incorporating physical activity into your weekly routine, you can reduce pain and improve function, mood, and quality of life in adults with arthritis.
Regular physical activity can help you sleep better and support bone health, brain health, and weight management. Physical activity can also reduce your risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and help you manage other conditions you already have.
It is worth noting that joint damage can cause or worsen arthritis. For this reason, it is important to choose activities that are good for your joints, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. These gentle activities have a low risk of injury and do not distort or put too much stress on your joints. Before starting a strenuous exercise routine for your arthritis, speak to your doctor first for their professional input on the best exercises for your needs.
Managing Your Weight Helps Alleviate Your Discomfort
Obesity is reported to be a leading cause of arthritis. Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight can be especially important for people with arthritis. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight can reduce stress on joints, especially weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. In fact, losing 10 to 12 pounds can reduce pain and improve physical function in people with arthritis. At any age, gentle, arthritis-friendly physical activity, such as walking, combined with a healthy diet can help you live a healthier life.
Eat Healthier To Improve Your Symptoms
As you may already know, the better your diet, the more likely you are to reach a healthy weight. For patients coping with arthritis pain, a nutritious diet is not just about your weight, but also about the types of food you are putting into your body. A donut or a slice of pizza may be more tempting than a salad or a bowl of veggies, but processed sugar and saturated fat increase inflammation levels in the body. On the other hand, nutrients in certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritis pain and arthritis symptoms. These foods, such as fish, olive oil, fruits, nuts, and leafy greens, give your body the nutrients it needs to fight inflammation.
When Should I Consult The Professionals For Pain Management?
In addition to lifestyle changes, prescription and over-the-counter medicines can also help relieve arthritis pain. For best results, talk to your doctor about arthritis treatments that are right for you. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start the right treatment.
Early and effective treatment is important to minimize symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse, especially with certain types of arthritis such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Arthritis treatment focuses on reducing pain, minimizing joint damage, and improving or maintaining function and quality of life. By making regular appointments with your doctor and following your recommended treatment plan, you can play an active role in managing your arthritis. This is especially important if you also have other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
At Advanced Internal Medical Group in East Hills, NY we have 40 years of experience minimizing pain with over 20 services in primary care, house call appointments, and other services related to arthritis. To learn more about any of our services, call 516-352-8100 to speak with one of our team members.