Introduction

Arthritis is a common disorder of joints in elderly people which can be explained as the inflammation of joints. Arthritis comes in a variety of forms. Each type of arthritis has different signs and can require a variety of treatments. Even while arthritis typically affects older people, it can afflict men, women, and kids of any age.

World Arthritis Day, also called WAD, is celebrated every year on October 12. WAD is celebrated to spread awareness about arthritis. This blog contains a detailed account of the things you can do to relieve arthritis pain. 

What is Arthritis?

Although the term “arthritis” is used to encompass more than 100 disorders that affect joints, surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues, it mainly refers to joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout are the most prevalent kinds of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a major type of arthritis. This condition is caused by wear and tear to a joint’s cartilage. As a consequence of damaged cartilage, two bones come in direct contact with each other which results in pain and hinders movement. The main function of cartilage is to create a cushioning effect between two bones. Since bones are two hard structures, their movement can cause friction. Cartilage ensures friction-free joint motion. If the cartilage in the joint is seriously damaged, the lining of the joint may expand and get inflamed.

Gout is another type of arthritis. This condition is developed by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid crystals are formed when the levels of uric acid stay elevated in the blood. There are other kinds of arthritis as well. The causative agent of those can be infections or other disorders like psoriasis or lupus.

The type of arthritis and the treatments differ. Arthritis treatments primarily aim to lessen symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

Source

Symptoms of Arthritis 

The major symptom of arthritis is joint discomfort. This pain can be persistent or may occur in episodes. The severity of this pain also differs among individuals. Other arthritis symptoms include pain, redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness of joints. 

Ways to relieve arthritis pain

There are many ways you can try to relieve your arthritis pain. However, the basics you must get covered include learning about your condition, tracking the efficacy of the arthritis treatment, and letting your doctor know about the changes in pain. 

Amendments in daily routine

Arthritis is a long-termed disease and so the management of arthritis symptoms requires lifestyle changes. Following are some ways you can manage arthritis pain by making amendments to your lifestyle.

• Incorporate daily stretches into your routine that extend the range of motion in your joints. This will help you improve the mobility which is restricted due to inflammation of joints in patients with arthritis.
• You need to be more aware of your joints. When sitting, standing, or exercising, pay close attention to your joints. This will help you manage your pain and will allow you to communicate pain changes effectively to your doctor.
• Fixing your posture is another way to relieve arthritis pain. You can learn the proper ways to sit, stand, and move from a physical therapist.
• Controlling your weight can decrease the strain on your joints and thus can significantly lower your arthritis pain. The best way to control weight is to make small, long-term lifestyle adjustments that lead to steady weight loss. 
• Working while having arthritis can be difficult. As much important as it is to keep your joints moving, it is vital to set boundaries. You should learn to strike a balance between work and rest. 
• To relieve arthritis pain, you should quit smoking. Smoking stresses connective tissues, which can exacerbate the discomfort of arthritis.

Exercises for arthritis

Exercise can lower the pain and stiffness of the muscles. You can also design your workout route with the help of a professional to strengthen your muscles, increase your endurance, and expand your range of motion. 

• Be mindful of the exercises you choose to relieve your arthritis pain. You can choose such exercises which help in building muscles around your joints. You can take professional help from a physical or occupational therapist to create a routine customized to your condition.
• You can create a routine for yourself by focusing mainly on stretch exercises. You can also try gradual progressive strength training.
• You can also opt for low-impact workouts, such as walking, cycling, or water exercises. This will not only help your joints but will also help in improving your mood and weight. 
• Avoid activities that involve high-impact and repetitive motion, such as running, high-impact aerobics, exercises that require jumping, etc.

Medication for arthritis

There are numerous pharmaceutical options for treating arthritic pain. Although the majority are generally safe, all medications might cause negative effects. Formulating a pharmaceutical regimen for your particular pain problems will require a discussion with your doctor.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) are over-the-counter painkillers that can help with occasional pain brought on by physical activity.
• Painful joints can be comforted by applying a cream containing capsaicin to the skin there. These creams can be used both alone and with oral medications.
• You should consult your doctor if over-the-counter drugs don’t help in lowering your pain.
• Overtreatment is something to avoid. If you frequently use over-the-counter painkillers, speak with your doctor.
• You should avoid ignoring evident symptoms as well. Don’t attempt to ignore persistent and severe arthritic discomfort as it can be indicating a joint injury or inflammation that needs regular medicine.
• People with arthritis are more likely to experience depression which is why it is important to keep an eye on symptoms other than pain as well. Antidepressants and other therapy for treating depression have been reported to lessen not only the symptoms of depression but also the pain associated with arthritis.

Source

Other treatments that can help

Any long-term disease can have a toll on your mental health. The inability to do daily chores can lower one’s motivation. This is why it is important to not only focus on pain management but also opt for such therapies that lower the pain and help you relax.

• Acupuncture is a therapy in which a skilled acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles at particular locations called acupoints on your body. This traditional Chinese therapy helps lower the pain in patients with arthritis. However, it may take a few weeks to show noticeable results.
• Do whatever calms you down, whether it is yoga, deep breathing, music, being in nature, or journal writing. Relaxation has no drawbacks and can be effective in reducing pain. 
• Temporarily, massage may help with pain and stiffness. Make sure your massage therapist is aware of how your condition. 

Source

Arthritis risk factors

Many factors put you at a higher risk of getting arthritis. Some of the main factors are;

Family background

Genetics plays a role in the development of arthritis. You have to be extra careful if one or more of your immediate family members have arthritis. 

Age

Aging decreases the functionality of joints and thus can give rise to the development of gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid in the elderly.

Gender 

Males and females have different types of physiology and anatomy which causes a difference in their hormone levels. These hormone levels play an important role in the calcification, formation, and breakdown of bones. This is why rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men. Whereas gout, another kind of arthritis, is more common in males.

Previous injuries and joint trauma

People having previous injuries and joint traumas are at a higher risk of developing arthritis when aged. 

Obesity

Your knees, hips, and spine are particularly strained when you carry extra weight this is why those who are obese are more likely to get arthritis.

Ways to prevent arthritis

There are many causative agents of arthritis which cannot be avoided. These factors include genes, age, and gender. However, there are many ways by which you can decrease your chances of getting arthritis or can delay the onset of the disease;

Maintaining a healthy weight

Weight causes a direct strain on the knee and hip joints. Overburdening of these joints can lead to the development of inflammation in these joints and can cause arthritis. Since obesity is a significant risk factor for arthritis, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. 

Maintain blood sugar levels

Higher blood sugar levels cause damage to almost all the tissues of the body. These elevated levels cause stiffening of joints making your body prone to arthritis. 

Stay physically active

Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of low impact exercise five days a week. This will help to strengthen the muscles of the knees and hips which aid in the functioning of the joints. Regular implementation of low-impact workouts including walking, swimming, and cycling can lower your risk of getting arthritis.

Incorporate stretching into your routine

To increase the flexibility of your joints and prevent inflammation, you can incorporate stretching exercises into your routine.

Protect your joints 

Since injured joints are at higher susceptibility to developing arthritis, you should protect your joints. To prevent back injuries, develop a habit of lifting weights using your hips and knees rather than your back. To avoid sports injuries, ensure that you wear all the protective gear required for that specific sport. 

Give up smoking

Smoking increases the stiffness of tissues which can aggravate arthritis pain.

Modify your diet

Diet can play an important role in the health of your joints. Consume fish that are rich in omega-3s, such as mackerel, trout, and salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous nutritional benefits and can be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, and inflammation of joints.

Doctor visits and joint pain of arthritis 

Any disorder of the joints can cause mobility issues and in this case, it is difficult for the patients to visit the doctors regularly. Traffic along with the bumps and jerks of the road can exaggerate your pain. Since osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are long-term conditions, these can be managed by the utilization of telemedicine. You can consult the best doctors in Pakistan for arthritis in the comfort of your home using telemedicine.

If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, book an appointment today using the application of Sehat Kahani. We have several experienced doctors onboard who can give you sound advice to relieve your arthritis pain. 

Source

Conclusion 

Arthritis is a painful condition that can stop you from performing your everyday activities. There are many ways you can manage your symptoms and lower your pain if you have arthritis. Regular exercise, and a proper diet, coupled with effective arthritis medication can help to relieve the pain of arthritis. You can utilize telemedicine for your long-termed treatment.

FAQs

What spices are good for arthritis pain?

Turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne can in lowering the pain of arthritis. Utilizing spices for their anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial and is usually considered safe. However, it is important to avoid over-ingestion and take medical advice before incorporating any such spice into your diet.  

What slows arthritis down?

You can slow down arthritis by taking effective medications along with making lifestyle modifications. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs) along with methotrexate can be utilized to slow arthritis down.

What takes away the pain of arthritis?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are utilized widely to take away the pain of arthritis. Other non-medical ways to lower the pain of arthritis include exercise, diet modifications, weight maintenance, and lifestyle changes. 

What activity is recommended for arthritic pain 30 minutes three times weekly?

Walking for 30 minutes three times a week can be beneficial for arthritis pain. This activity is gentle on the joints and helps with mobility.

Tags:

Category: