Wear and tear on the body eventually causes damage to connective tissues around the joints and to the cartilage inside the joint. When the cartilage breaks down to the point that bones rub, the pain and inflammation can become debilitating. Osteoarthritis is now a very discomfort health problem now and in this post, we talk over this issue.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the inflammation and discomfort that occurs when your cartilage begins to fail. Bone-on bone wear can become severe enough over time that you need joint replacement or repair.
6 Treatments for Osteoarthritis Pain:
1. Aerobic Exercise:
Aerobic exercise is key to keeping joints supple. While you may not easily be able to do a full weight-bearing workout, such as jogging, you may be able to bicycle, walk, and swim. Moving to the best of your ability is a first line treatment for osteoarthritis. According to Joint Academy, physical activity and specific exercise reduces the pain and increases the physical function of patients with OA.
2. Stretching:
Stretching will keep stiff joints loose. A stretching program that includes balance poses can also help you find corrections to your alignment that may have subtly shifted due to your pain level. It is normal to alter your posture and your gait when you hurt, but favoring a foot or knee can cause problems elsewhere in the body.
3. Physical Therapist:
Weight training, preferably with the guidance of a personal trainer or a physical therapist, can do a lot to build up the muscle tissue around a sore joint and increase blood flow. Use light or no weights to start and build healthy alignment before adding weight. After a workout, you may notice muscle soreness, which can be confused with joint pain. Consider using a cold pack to lower the inflammation after a workout for just twenty minutes, then warming up the joint in a shower or bath to reduce arthritic stiffness.
4. Diet and Hydration:
Diet and hydration can also help reduce pressure on your knees and hips. A diet high in fresh veggies and water will improve the efficiency of your gut and make it easier for you to lose weight. Lowering your salt intake can lower the water weight you carry. A diet high in fresh fruit and whole grains will boost your antioxidant intake and make it easier to shed the toxins that enter our tissues each day.
5. Acupuncture:
Acupuncture can be helpful to many struggling with back, hip, and knee pain. Making sure that you stay hydrated before and after acupuncture is critical, as is getting quality rest after an acupuncture session. Keep a journal to track your results.
6. Medications:
Medications such as ibuprofen can be very helpful in reducing inflammation. If you have any health concerns that limit your ability to use an NSAID or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, try acetaminophen to stop pain transmission. There are also non-opioid medications that can lower your pain response.
Conclusion:
When you exercise with arthritis, it’s critical that you start slowly. The first part of any workout needs to be a warm-up, and you will want to give your body plenty of time. Invest in a refillable water bottle or two to make water the first thing you see when you open the refrigerator. Take medications on the days when you can’t seem to get started and track your acupuncture results in a journal.
