How to Manage Arthritis: Tips for Pain Relief and Mobility

Medical Treatment for Pain Relief

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce joint pain and inflammation. Some of those medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: These medications suppress the immune response triggered by rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. They slow the progression of those diseases and prevent further joint damage.

Injections: Depending on the severity of your pain, you may require corticosteroid injections into the affected area to lower inflammation or hyaluronic acid to provide cushioning between the bones.

Physical therapy: You can improve your range of motion and joint flexibility with physical therapy. It’s also an effective method for increasing muscle strength and bone density.

Surgery: Advanced arthritis could require a joint replacement or fusion. Fusions join bones together, while replacements provide you with an artificial joint.

Effective Exercise Strategies for Joint Health

It may seem daunting to begin an exercise routine if you experience joint pain. However, regular workouts improve your range of motion and help you manage your weight. Exercise also reduces strain by building muscle mass around your joints.

Here are some exercises for arthritis:

• Stretching: Ease stiffness and soothe pain with range of motion exercises. Stretching also allows your body to warm up before a workout, so aim for five to 10 minutes before you begin more rigorous movements.
• Aerobics: Low-impact exercises are crucial as they allow you to enhance your fitness regimen without aggravating your arthritis. Stationary cycling, swimming, walking and water aerobics get your heart rate pumping and raise your blood oxygen level without adding to your discomfort.
• Weight training: Working with light hand weights and resistance bands allows you to increase your muscular strength. Start slowly by focusing on every major muscle group at least twice a week.

Housework and hobbies are good ways to sneak exercise into your daily routine, too. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves and gardening are easy chores that support your range of motion. Dancing, golfing and tai chi double as hobbies and fun alternatives to hitting the gym.

Lifestyle Modifications for Better Mobility

Ergonomic equipment like lift assist chairs, handrails, adjustable beds and grabber tools allows you to stand, sit and move with ease. They also help maintain proper posture, which prevents excessive pressure on weight-bearing joints.

You should consider your dietary choices, too. Certain foods and drinks such as red meats, refined carbs, dairy products, alcohol and soda can trigger inflammation and exacerbate your arthritis symptoms.

Include the following in your diet to combat swelling and discomfort:

• Fatty fish
• Walnuts
• Leafy greens
• Whole grains
• Dark chocolate

Alternative Therapies and Natural Remedies

Alternative remedies can help you manage your joint discomfort. Consult your primary care physician before starting any treatment or adding new supplements to your diet.

Here are some options to consider:

• Acupuncture: This practice involves inserting thin needles into trigger points on your body to stimulate pain-relieving receptors and release endorphins to ease inflammation.
• Massage therapy: Massage increases blood flow to flush toxins from your body and reduce inflammation. It also eases muscle stiffness brought on by exercise.
• Hot and cold therapy: Apply a warm compress or heating pad for targeted relief or take a hot shower or bath. You can use an ice pack, frozen towel or a bag of frozen vegetables to decrease pain and swelling.
• Herbal supplements: Ginger, turmeric and frankincense are known to provide joint pain relief. Research potential side effects before taking any supplements.
• Topical agents: There are a variety of creams and ointments designed to soothe joint aches.

Embracing a Proactive Approach to Joint Health

Embassy Healthcare offers physical therapy, medication management and assistive devices to help you manage arthritis discomfort. Contact us to learn more about our services and locations.