Three Steps to Arthritis Pain Relief
Three Simple Steps To Arthritis Pain Relief
If you suffer from arthritis, you are not alone. Usually, the first thing most individuals try is nonprescription medications (like Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve) for pain relief. If this doesn’t work, the pain may increase to the point that surgery becomes a possibility (joint repair or replacement).
How do you manage arthritis?
There is no one best way to manage arthritis pain, and no single technique that is guaranteed to give you complete pain relief. In fact, a combination of methods work best. Think of arthritis pain management as a continuing journey. And this is your travel guide – you can pick your itinerary based on how your symptoms are.
Step 1: Learn about your arthritis pain
Patient education is probably the most important step in pain management, according to the American Pain Society. Learn all you can about your arthritis so you can break down the mental roadblocks.
Exercise Is Your Answer
Step 2: Restore your muscle balance
• Regain posture. Proper posture is VERY important. Years of compensating for a sore/painful knee or hip can result in pain in the hip, knee, or even the ankle. Sitting slouched for hours, jutting the abdomen out when standing can lead to low back pain. Our therapists can observe how you sit, stand, and walk and teach you how to adjust your posture to decrease the stress on your joints, and help you move with less pain.
• Exercise. Regular exercise helps strengthen joint-supporting muscles and improves flexibility. Our physical therapists specialize in arthritis treatment and can suggest appropriate movements that provide a full range of motion. Physical activity also helps blood circulation through the body and around the joints, which help bring oxygen and nutrients to help with the healing process.
• Weight Loss. Did you know that losing 10 pounds of excess body weight takes roughly 30 to 60 pounds of pressure off the knee? So talk to one of our therapists to get you moving in the right direction!
• Protect your joints. Sore joints can stop you from doing your daily activities like bathing, dressing, writing and driving. We help you find alternative ways to perform your activities by strategically integrating ‘rest periods’ and avoiding tasks that trigger joint pain and discomfort