Top 10 Effective Ways to Reduce Joint Pain
Aging is inevitable. The experts doing physiotherapy in Whitby believe that we will age faster than ever due to our modern lifestyle and society’s stress on youthfulness. This means many of us are dealing with symptoms that can be pretty bothersome – but not to worry! There are plenty of ways that you can start feeling better today.
Your joints have given you the support you require to move, leap, and run over the years. Now, whether due to illness or injury, any damage, no matter how minor or severe, can impair your mobility and result in an adverse effect on both your physical and mental well-being.
Arthritis is a painful degenerative disease of the joints, affecting many body tissues. It affects all ages and both men and women equally, although it tends to be more common among women. Arthritis has a broad spectrum of causes, but the most common are Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis. There is also an autoimmune form called lupus that can cause joint inflammation.
RA and OA are two common types of arthritis that can affect your knees, hips, wrists, hands, feet, elbows and shoulders. If you have RA or OA, you might experience joint pain. You may also notice that it worsens during physical activity or exercise. More than half of people with RA or OA will develop osteoarthritis later in life. It happens when cartilage begins to wear away due to friction between your bones or injury from a fall or other trauma (like sports). OA mainly results when wear and tear of cartilage cause bones to rub together, leading to friction, damage, and inflammation. OA also occurs when muscles around the joint become inflamed due to irritation caused by joint damage from arthritis; this can cause pain in your knees and hips and your back and shoulders.
Finding out the best way to treat arthritis is always challenging. There are many options out there, including over-the-counter supplements and prescription medications with side effects.
Without any further ado, here are the top 10 practical ways to reduce joint pain.
- Manage Your Weight
Excess weight can significantly impact arthritis symptoms and puts more pressure on your joints, mainly your knees, hips and feet. When you have arthritis, it can be hard to keep up with the everyday tasks that require standing or walking for long periods. Extra weight also makes it harder for you to fall and stay down if you have any disability or mobility issues. If you’re overweight or obese, losing some pounds can help improve your health and decrease pain from arthritis. Every pound lost equals less stress on your body — less stress means less pain!
- Ice The Affected Area
Ice can help reduce blood flow to the areas of pain and swelling. Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day. Ice also helps reduce inflammation, making it easier for your body to heal. Ice is beneficial when you have a cut or bruise on your leg or foot. You can apply ice directly to the area of pain and wrap it in an ACE bandage if you have one handy.
- Work Alongside With a Physical Therapist
There are many types of physical therapists, each with their training and expertise. Your physical therapist will work with you to determine the best care for your condition, whether it’s a chronic condition or acute injury. They’ll help you understand your treatment options, including surgery.
Your physical therapist may also recommend exercises that can help relieve pain and improve function in other areas of your body, such as your back or neck. Suppose you’re experiencing severe pain or disability due to a serious injury. In that case, it’s essential to see a specialist who can perform tests and evaluate your condition before making any decisions about treatment options.
- Brace or Wrap it Up
If the pain is too great, try to immobilize the area with a splint, wrap or brace. If you have a fracture, you’ll want to get into a sling as soon as possible. This is because a cast may increase your risk of infection if you don’t keep it clean and dry. If this doesn’t help, then it is advised that you should seek medical attention right away.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections or Steroids
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections if you are not feeling better after using oral or topical treatments (known as a rooster comb injection). The best option should be discussed with your doctor.
- Acupuncture
Thin needles are inserted into specific body points during acupuncture therapy. According to practitioners, it shifts energies and brings equilibrium back to your body. Since ancient times, people in China and other Asian nations have utilized acupuncture to treat various physical and mental conditions, including joint pain, weight loss, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, and high blood pressure.
- Other Alternatives
Yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture all have their place in pain management. They can help you feel better and get your life back on track. However, it is best advised to speak with your doctor before jumping to conclusions.
- Undergo Surgical Intervention
Joint replacement surgery or arthroscopic surgery is an excellent option if you have severe joint pain that’s causing you to lose sleep or the ability to do your daily activities. If joint replacement surgery is right for you, you’ll be able to return to your normal lifestyle sooner and with less pain than other surgeries.
- Consider Herbal Supplements
Although scientific study hasn’t proven that any particular plant or supplement may treat arthritis, several herbal supplements may lessen joint pain. Some popular herbs include- Boswellia, bromelain, devil’s claw, ginkgo, stinging nettle and thunder god vine.
- Exercise
And last but not least, keep it moving. Staying active is one of the best remedies for joint pain. It strengthens the muscles that support your joints and also decreases pain and stiffness.
Joint pain can be challenging, but with proper help and practice, you can overcome it with ease.
Author Bio:
Cindy Williams is a blogger in Canada. She graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.
