Are you or someone you know suffering from arthritis or a related condition? Many people accept chronic joint pain as a normal part of life, often assuming nothing can be done, but there is good news – options are available locally to help relieve your pain. While there’s no quick fix for arthritis, there are several treatment options that may help manage your pain.
About one out of every five US adults is affected by arthritis, yet because it is complex, many still don’t understand the condition. Arthritis is an informal term that refers to the more than 100 different types of joint conditions and diseases. Arthritis can affect anyone, regardless of age. The Centers for Disease and Control reports more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States have some type of doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
Hallmark symptoms of arthritis include aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints and decreased range of motion. Pain can come and go or be ongoing. Symptoms may only occur when moving or after periods of inactivity. If symptoms go unmanaged, arthritis can result in difficulty performing daily activities like bending down, walking and climbing stairs. For some types of arthritis, other symptoms include fatigue, a poor appetite and even fever.
Living with chronic joint pain can seem overwhelming. However, there are local treatment options available to help you manage your pain and live life to the fullest. Everyone’s experience with arthritis is different. For effective treatment, it’s important for an orthopedic specialist to identify the root of your pain to determine if you have arthritis or another condition.
If you are or have been diagnosed with arthritis, try these tips to help manage and reduce inflammation.
- Hot and cold therapy
- Low-impact exercise (like water aerobics, walking and stretching)
- Massage joints with olive oil
- Meditation
- Exercise
Making a few lifestyle changes, like losing weight and making healthy eating choices can yield great relief for arthritis pain too. Extra weight plays a big impact on joints by adding more pressure – especially on the knees, hips and feet. Start exploring different arthritis treatment options to find what works best for you.