Think achy, painful joints from arthritis are an inevitable part of getting older? They don't have to be. Today, there are more options for treating arthritis pain than ever before. From lifestyle changes to joint replacement surgery, you can find relief from your arthritis pain no matter what your age.
Have a plan to manage your arthritis
Reducing your pain is probably the first thing you want to do if you have arthritis. Here are three tips that can help manage your arthritis pain:
- See your healthcare provider. This is the first thing you should do if arthritis affects your life. He or she will examine the joint and determine how severe your arthritis is. An accurate diagnosis will help your healthcare provider develop the appropriate treatment plan.
- Get active. Exercise has been shown to reduce pain and improve physical fitness and mental health. Your healthcare provider can recommend a variety of exercises to help lessen the pain surrounding your joints.
- Watch your weight. Weight loss can reduce symptoms for people with arthritis in their knees and hips. Carrying excess pounds puts undue stress on an arthritic joint, further decreasing mobility and increasing pain.
If exercise and watching your weight isn't enough to ease your arthritis pain, other options exist that may provide the relief you've been searching for:
- Prescription medications and cortisone injections
- Heat and cold treatments
- Supportive devices, such as canes and walkers
- Joint replacement surgery
You don't have to live in pain
With the wide variety of treatment options, it's never been easier to manage your arthritis pain. Finding the right course of treatment can be accomplished by working with your healthcare provider.
To find a doctor or speak to a nurse, call Consult-A-Nurse® at (951) 788-3463, 24 hours a day. Visit our joint page for information on our orthopedics care and services.
Sources: Arthritis.org, NIA.NIH.gov