According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis affects 54.4 million Americans. Common symptoms include stiffness and joint pain. Our non-surgical medical stem cell and arthritis pain treatments are top of the line. We proudly serve Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Whitefish Bay, Delafield, Richfield, Pewaukee, Franklin & Greater Milwaukee Areas.
Arthritis refers to conditions that affect joints or nearby tissues. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, occurring when cartilage between bones begins to break down, leading to bone-on-bone contact. Rheumatoid is another autoimmune disease commonly seen among the elderly.
Arthritis relief can be obtained no matter if your hands, knees or hips are affected. These nine methods will help alleviate arthritis pain, reduce joint damage and enhance function for you.
Don’t let arthritis pain and stiffness stop you from doing the things you love because arthritis pain and stiffness can be caused by muscle strain, fatigue, or joint inflammation.
These simple strategies will help you maintain control over your discomfort.
Exercise for Arthritis Relief
Exercising can reduce arthritis pain and increase range of motion while strengthening the muscles surrounding your joints. According to Dr Karthik Jonna at Houston Methodist, orthopedic surgeon, “low-impact activities such as walking, biking, water aerobics or tai Chi are all great options to get moving every day.”
Lose Weight and Eat Right
Eating healthily and losing weight will reduce stress on your joints. Low-fat diets like DASH (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) have been found to decrease inflammation levels in the body, potentially aiding in relieving joint discomfort.
Be Cold But Stay Warm
Cold packs and warm compresses are great for loosening muscles and relieving pain. However, the best time to use cold packs is within 24 hours after an injury or flare-up. Heat can also help soothe sore muscles; taking a warm shower might even provide some relief.
Rub it in
Massage can reduce stiffness and pain by stimulating the production of pain-killing endorphins within your body. Find a massage therapist with expertise treating arthritis patients to get started on this important journey.
Get Your Pump On To the Curb
Choose supportive, well-cushioned shoes that offer your feet and toes plenty of room.
Be Prepared
Braces can help alleviate pain in your elbows, wrists and knees. Jonna recommended consulting your doctor to determine if a brace would be beneficial for you.
Evaluate Your Space
Make your home more user-friendly by installing rails near the toilet and shower chair, using a long-handled shoehorn and special grips for opening jars and peeling vegetables. An occupational therapist can make suggestions and assist in locating necessary items.
Stop smoking
Smokers are more at risk for bone fractures due to a decrease in bone mass caused by smoking. Joint surgery may extend your recovery time.
Increase Your Mood
Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing can help counter stress and alleviate mental side effects associated with arthritis pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also provide some assistance in dealing with feelings of helplessness.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Temporarily, you can reduce inflammation and pain in your arthritic region by switching between cold and heat treatments. Try switching between cold showers or hot water bottles, heating pads or cold packs as needed for relief.
How to Manage Stress
Stress can make arthritis symptoms worse, leading to increased pain and a vicious cycle. By managing stress, you may find relief from your symptoms. Try finding a relaxation method like deep breathing or meditation that you enjoy using regularly – or speak to a therapist if that’s something that would help.