Do you have arthritis and feel like all the normal interventions aren’t working?
You’re not alone. The CDC reported that one in five adults reported having experienced symptoms consistent with arthritis in the past week. But, many don’t realize they have it in time to prevent joint replacement.
Even the strongest sufferers find managing arthritis pain to be challenging. Here’s your essential guide to easing your pain and managing your condition.
Managing Arthritis Pain: Tips for Daily Life
If you suffer from arthritis pain, you know how debilitating it can be. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to manage your pain and keep it from taking over your life. This quick guide will give you some tips on how to do just that.
Identifying the Type of Arthritis You Have
It’s important to identify which type you have in order to best manage your pain. The most common types of arthritis include:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- gout
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Gout is a type that is caused by uric acid in the joints.
Each type of arthritis requires different treatment, so it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Taking Medication
In general, drugs for arthritis fall into two main categories: pain relievers and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs, can help to reduce pain and inflammation. DMARDs, such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, can help to slow the progression of the disease.
When taking any medication, it is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare professional.
Exercising to Improve Joint Function and Flexibility.
Exercising to improve joint function and flexibility is an important part of managing arthritis pain. When exercising with arthritis, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the workout.
Focus on exercises that improve range of motion and flexibility. Use low-impact exercises to avoid putting too much stress on the joints.
Applying Heat or Cold
Heat can help to relax the muscles and ease the pain, while cold can help to reduce inflammation. It is important to experiment with both to see which provides the most relief.
There are also specialized creams and gels that can provide relief. These are typically applied to the skin over the painful joint and can be used in conjunction with heat or cold.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Losing weight can help reduce the amount of stress on joints, which can help reduce chronic arthritis pain. Quitting smoking can also help reduce pain by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Making these lifestyle changes can be difficult, but the pain relief they can provide is worth the effort.
When to See a Doctor?
While there are many methods for the management of arthritis pain, only a doctor can properly diagnose the type of arthritis you may have and recommend the best treatment options. See here how a doctor can properly monitor your arthritis pain and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
There are many ways of managing arthritis pain, and the best way is to find what works for you. There are many resources available to help you find what works best for you. Don’t suffer in silence, there are many people who can help you manage your pain.
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