Osteoarthritis is a painful condition and is the most common kind of arthritis. It is often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative arthritis. When you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage present in your joints gradually wears away. Bones are usually covered or shielded by a layer of cartilage. It provides a cushion to protect the bones from getting damaged due to friction between them. In case of significant loss of cartilage, there is constant friction between bones due to the absence of the cushioning layer. When bones rub against each other, you experience excruciating pain, difficulty in moving around, and stiffness.
According to CDC, you can do many things to manage painful arthritis effectively. The daily measures you take to efficiently manage your osteoarthritis, stay healthy, and boost the overall quality of life are self-management stratagems and activities. Exercise can play a pivotal role in relieving joint pain due to osteoarthritis. Let us explore some tips to manage your pain effectively.
Focus on Staying Active
You may avoid doing exercise when your joints hurt badly due to arthritis. However, several studies have revealed that physical activity is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life and alleviating pain. Exercise is good for boosting your energy. Moreover, the exercises recommended by your doctor can fortify your bones and muscles and assist you in keeping your affected joints functional and flexible. Focus on doing resistance training under the guidance of an expert to build more robust muscles. Remember that your muscles play a pivotal role in protecting and supporting your arthritis-affected joints. Avoid exercising or overdoing it when there is a flare-up. Resume normal workouts when the pain subsides.
Seek Alternative Therapies
You may focus on managing your pain for maintaining your overall quality of life. You may try acupuncture, yoga, physical therapy, or chiropractic treatments in conjunction with tried and tested conventional treatments. Regenerative therapies and regenerative medicine have gained tremendous popularity over the years in managing debilitating pain associated with arthritis. You may contact Houston Heights Pain control clinic for non-surgical alleviation of arthritis pain through effective regenerative therapies. Follow the map given below.
Focus on Keeping Pain under Control with Medications
You should consult your doctor and use some over-the-counter painkillers to manage your arthritis pain. However, exercise caution. You may not have more than the recommended dosage as then you may encounter risks of side effects like stomach irritation or liver problems. Be careful while reading labels and take the recommended medicine only. Avoid having pain relievers for over 10 days at a stretch without consulting your doctor or healthcare provider.
Focus on Losing Weight
If you are obese or overweight, your weight-bearing joints like the spine, knees, ankles, hip, and feet are under undue stress. If you lose weight, arthritis symptoms may ease over time. It is difficult to lose weight drastically. Start making slight modifications each day. Focus on burning more calories and eating smaller portions.
Conclusion
It is most critical to stay positive despite physical issues. Your mental health will impact the way you function and how you feel. Try to think positively and stay motivated. You may indulge in an activity you love to do. Try spending time with your bosom friends who make you happy. Take part in hobbies, you can pursue despite arthritis. Try to undermine your disabilities and focus on your capabilities.