People believe that arthritis is a name referring to one condition. However, it relates informally to any joint pain or joint disease. The illness has more than a hundred types. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is broadly recognized as the inflammation of the joints. Other complications also lead to severe inflammation. The disease is accompanied by underlying infections such as lupus and psoriasis. Some causes of arthritic pain include:
The Age of An Individual
The condition often increases with age. Different types of the condition like gout and osteoarthritis advance with age.
History of Your Family
The background of your family contributes a lot as a cause of inflammation. Other types run in the family. You may inherit it from the family or notice it in your siblings. State of obesity Excessive weight stresses your joints around the hips, knees, and spine. Obese people often suffer from this condition.
The Gender of An Individual
A person’s sex affects their chances of developing joint pains and diseases. Females, for instance, stand a higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as opposed to men.
Joint Injuries from The Past
People who hurt their joints in the past are at a risk of developing inflammatory pains at that joints. For instance, injuring your joint during a sports activity. There are multiple treatment options for arthritis, but each person is different.
1. Yoga
The exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation involved in yoga help in improving physical and mental health. It has proven to help arthritic patients boost physical and psychological symptoms. Regular practice reduces joint pain and improves joint flexibility. It also involves positioning the body in different styles, which helps boost the body balance. Some suitable yoga poses for arthritis include Cat and Cow pose, Child’s pose, Tree pose, Cow Face pose, and Bridge pose. These poses help reduce inflammation and increase muscle strength. It also reduces stress and anxiety. You can start by using these suggested poses or enroll in a yoga class. Before you begin, seek the assistance of a yoga expert or a medical practitioner.
2. Heating Pad
A heating pad is a basic but effective way to ease arthritic pain. It is sometimes known as heat therapy. The heat is meant to relax the muscles and lubricate your joints. It is also suitable for reducing muscle spasms. The heating pad also helps you to exercise without any worries because it loosens your muscles. You can either use a homemade heating pad or use an electric one. Most people prefer an electric one because it maintains the same level of heat. In case you are using a homemade heating pad, ensure to protect your skin with a cloth buffer.
3. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat different conditions like arthritis. It can be used to treat different types of arthritis some of which include juvenile, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydrotherapy for joints inflammation entails different workouts in the water, taking advantage of the water’s buoyancy. This form of treatment helps ease stiff joints and relax sore muscles. It also helps boosts muscle strength.
Warm water is highly recommended because it helps reduce stiffness, especially in the knee. It also provides an excellent condition for exercise without any pressure. Some excellent exercises during hydrotherapy include walking, knee bends, aqua aerobics and squats under water.
4. Stretching
For arthritis patients, stiff joints in the morning are not a new thing to you. It may seem like the hardest part of the day but with a few stretches, your morning cannot start any better. Stretching helps improve flexibility and eases joint pain by lubricating them. It also boosts your range in motion. Some excellent stretches you can partake include leg swings, hamstring stretch, ankle, and arm circles. When stretching, focus on the key joints that are designated for movement. These joints include the hips, ankles, shoulders, and thoracic spine. For best results, try stretching every day.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most researched forms of therapy that originated from China. It has an amazing ability to relieve arthritic pain and joint inflammation. Unlike other treatment methods, acupuncture for arthritis focuses on the whole body and not just the affected area. Tiny needles, which can fit inside human hair are placed on the patient’s arms, legs, shoulders, and even toes.
The patient relaxes or sleeps as the needles stay on a part of the body for some time. Acupuncture helps reduce arthritic pain by releasing natural pain-fighting endorphins. Before you embark on this treatment plan, seek the advice of a licensed acupuncturist.
6. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS) are another excellent treatment for joint inflammation and pain. They work by inhibiting the functionality of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are involved in causing inflammation and pain. They also help in preventing further joint damage. NSAIDs make the stomach vulnerable to ulcers. Some of the side effects include rashes, stomach ulcers, heartburn, and indigestion.
You need to seek medical assistance when establishing the best medication for your body. Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for arthritis include Diclofenac, Fenoprofen, Ketorolac, and Oxaprozin. NSAIDs are usually available as liquids, gels, tablets, and creams. In case you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the most suitable medication with your doctor.
7. Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery involves total removal of the diseased parts of the joint and replacing them with new artificial ones. The treatment plan is important because it relieves joint pain and enables them to work better. The most commonly replaced joints are the knees and hips. The shoulders, ankles, and elbows can also be replaced. For best results, you need to engage in an exercise program to improve the performance of the joints. It is one of the safest treatments for joint pain. If you have weak bones, then this may not be the best procedure for you because the artificial replacements can easily wear out and cause further damage to the bones.
8. Physical Exercise
Physical exercise could be the last thing on your mind when you have joint pain. It plays a significant role in managing the symptoms of arthritis. It increases flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. Exercise can also reduce joint pain and combat fatigue. It also reduces the chances of injury. Some muscle strengthening exercises include weight lifting and working with resistance bands. You can also engage in flexibility exercises like walking, swimming, and biking. Balance exercises are also advisable for arthritic patients, and they include tai chi, standing on one foot, and walking backward. Work out frequently for shorter periods of time for best results.
9. Weight Loss
Losing weight can make a significant impact in reducing arthritic pain. Being overweight exerts extra pressure on your joints especially the feet, hips, and knees. Losing weight can reduce joint pain and improve joint function. It can also help you to improve mobility and limit the chances of future joint injury. You can start a weight loss program that includes exercising and adjusting your diet. For best results, stay dedicated to the weight loss journey. Exercise portion control in your diet. You can also seek support from weight loss experts. Consult your doctor before deciding on the best weight loss program for treating arthritis.
