Starting treatment and obtaining an early diagnosis as soon as possible are the first steps in managing arthritis symptoms. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference to your joint pain. The following are some proven plans for Arthritis Pain Management:
Take a Supplement…
- Glucosamine Sulfate – Some people swear that the dietary supplement called glucosamine sulfate ease arthritis pain, reduce stiffness, and protect joints from further damage. If your osteoarthritis pain is moderate or significant, try taking glucosamine for two to three months.
- Curcumin – Curcumin is found to be as effective as pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen in reducing arthritis joint pain.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps your bones absorb calcium, which is vital to bone health. It’s also crucial for muscle movement, communication between nerves, and fighting inflammation. … Another study found that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and may be linked to musculoskeletal pain.
- Omega-3 Fats – Evidence shows that consuming omega-3 fatty acids can lead to a modest reduction in the symptoms of arthritis.
Always check with your doctor when you start a new supplement to make sure it does not interfere with your current medications.
Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue. A few good ways to stay active throughout the day are, taking the stairs, tending your garden, parking in a distant spot to get a good walking distance. Research suggests engaging in exercise and physical activity may also help with depression.
Change your Diet
Try an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet. A plant-based diet emphasizes unprocessed, whole foods. this may help relieve joint inflammation, thereby reducing stiffness and pain. Foods such as nuts, fruits, leafy greens, tofu, Whole Grains, Green tea may also help you control your weight and reduce stress on weight-bearing joints. These foods are rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Heating and/or Icing Therapy
While this treatment may not improve the joint condition, it may ease the pain and make you feel more comfortable. Heat can help relieve muscle and joint stiffness, warm up joints adn ease muscle spasm. Cold can help reduce joint inflammation, swelling, and pain. You can use heat therapy in the morning to loosen up stiff joints and use cold a few hours later to reduce swelling.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
In a healthy joint, a thick substance called synovial fluid provides lubrication, allowing bones to glide against one another. … In people with osteoarthritis, a critical substance in a synovial fluid known as hyaluronic acid breaks down. Loss of hyaluronic acid appears to contribute to joint pain and stiffness. Although these injections are approved by the FCA only for treating knee osteoarthritis, they are sometimes used to treat the hip and other joints. Some doctors also use hyaluronic acid injection to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The injections can reduce joint pain, improve joint movement and slow the progression of osteoarthritis in some people.
You must remember these tips should not be pursued as a replacement for medications and standard care. Always seek advice from your Rheumatologist.
For persistent pain that is interfering with your daily activities, see a rheumatologist to make the correct diagnosis and begin the proper treatment.
Contact Us (859-331-3100) For More Information to Request an Appointment
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About Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology
Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology is first and largest Rheumatology practice in the Northern Kentucky area. Founded by Dr. Arthur Kunath in 1986, our rheumatology practice now consists of six doctors who are board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and a Physician Assistant. Patients see one doctor (except in emergencies), thereby assuring continuity of care and an individualized doctor-patient atmosphere giving the physician the ability to establish personalized and detailed relationships. Our doctors have received numerous awards, including being listed as “Top Doctors” in Cincinnati Magazine, receiving the Patient’s Choice Award, the Most Compassionate Doctor Award, and the American College of Rheumatology’s “My Doc Rocks” award.
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