How to manage osteoarthritis pain

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How to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain Managing osteoarthritis symptoms and pain requires patients to follow a comprehensive approach for treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as “degenerative joint disease” is one of the most common types of arthritis that is associated with the breakdown of the cartilage in the joints. This condition affects the capability of the joint to move smoothly. Also, it causes the bones to rub against each other thereby causing acute arthritis pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint movement.

A person diagnosed with arthritis needs to take a long term review of their current health status. It is important to understand the fact that this joint condition can’t be treated in a single day or by consuming a single pill. It requires people to follow comprehensive strategies for effective management. This may require them to make significant changes in their routine and follow a healthy lifestyle.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Several factors can contribute to the development of OA such as obesity, joint overuse and injury. It can also develop due to hereditary factors or old age. This disease http://www.hqbk.com/ 1­718­769­2521

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affects different people in different ways. Generally, it affects middle-aged and older people. However, it can develop in younger people as well. The symptoms of this disease may vary from one person to another and it may also depend on which joints are affected. Some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis include – • Acute pain • Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers • Joint aching and soreness (especially with movement) • Sore or stiff joints (particularly the hips, knees, and lower back due to inactivity or overuse)

Strategies to Manage Osteoarthritis Early diagnosis of disease symptoms is an important step in managing osteoarthritis. Normally, joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of this disease and if the pain lasts for more than 2 weeks it is better to consult a physician.

Reliable healthcare centers offer innovative treatment programs that involve a combination of treatments matching specific patient requirements, lifestyle and health.

These are mainly focused on effective pain management and functional improvement. Some of the main alternative treatments for arthritis include dietary supplements, http://www.hqbk.com/ 1­718­769­2521

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hyaluronic acid joint injections, physical therapy, antiinflammatory diet, exercise, pain medications, massage, weight loss programs and electrotherapies.

The different strategies for effective management of joint disease are mentioned below – •

Physical activity – Research suggests that people who involve in good physical activity can better manage the disease. Regular exercises can reduce joint pain, improve blood flow, increase flexibility, control weight and promote general physical fitness. The type of exercises to be done will depend upon the joints that are involved and how stable the joints are.

Walking, swimming, agility exercises, strengthening exercises and water aerobics are a few popular types of exercises recommended for people suffering from this chronic joint condition.

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Weight control – Excess weight may cause problems to the affected joints such as the hips, feet, back and knees thereby increasing pain. Obese people can consult their physician to devise a weight management plan and seek advice regarding healthy food choices.

Weight reduction can help people with OA to reduce their pain and joint damage.

•

Pain medications – Physicians prescribe different medicines to eliminate or reduce pain thereby

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improving the total functioning. They consider several factors such as the intensity of pain, current medical history of patients and potential side effects of the medicine when choosing medicines.

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Rest and relief from stress on joints – Generally, the treatment plans include regularly scheduled rest.

Patients should not exert extra pressure on joints.

Patients need to recognize the body’s signals and know when to stop or slow down. This will prevent the pain caused by overexertion.

Managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis is a long term task. Patients need to focus on their goals and have a positive approach towards the treatment.

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